Matt Barnes Promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket

Portland, Maine- Portland Sea Dogs right-handed pitcher Matt Barnes has been promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket by the Boston Red Sox. Outfielder Tony Thomas has rejoined the Sea Dogs from Pawtucket. Barnes is expected to make his Triple-A debut tonight for the PawSox at 7:05 PM against Syracuse. 

Barnes, ranked as the Red Sox No. 1 pitching prospect and 3rd overall by Baseball America, went 5-10 with a 4.33 (52 ER/ 108.0 IP) in 24 starts for the Sea Dogs this season. The 23 year-old recorded 135 strikeouts, a team high and the second most in the Red Sox organization behind Henry Owens' 161. Barnes was drafted by the Red Sox out of the University of Connecticut in the first round in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

Barnes is the fourth member of the Sea Dogs' opening day starting rotation to earn a promotion. Drake Britton and Brandon Workman are currently with the Boston Red Sox and Barnes will join Anthony Ranaudo in Pawtucket.

Tony Thomas rejoins the Sea Dogs after appearing in 16 games with the PawSox hitting .283 (17-for-60). Thomas joined Pawtucket on August 4th. In 103 games with the Sea Dogs this season, he has hit .223 (90-for-404) with 11 home runs and 66 RBI. The 27 year-old was acquired by the Red Sox from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for RHP Robert Coello on February 15, 2011.
  
The Sea Dogs return to Hadlock Field on Friday for the final series of the season. Portland will host the Trenton Thunder (Yankees) in a five game/ four day series starting Friday at 6:00 PM. Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. Book your nine inning vacation today!