Daily Red Sox Links: Matt Barnes, Chris Sale, Dustin Pedroia

The Red Sox bullpen struggled again on Friday, and it continues to show how important it is that their rotation performs in October. (Chris Cotillo; Masslive)

It was strange that Matt Barnes didn’t come in for that eighth inning last night. As it turns out, there was a reason for it. (John Tomase; WEEI)

In rotation news, the Red Sox are going to activate Chris Sale off the disabled list on Tuesday and they will be easing him back into action from there. (Ian Browne; RedSox.com)

Meanwhile, Dustin Pedroia will unsurprisingly not return to the field in 2018. (Peter Abraham; Boston Globe)

The expectation is that Pedroia will be back at second base in 2019, but that’s not really something you can plan on with no backup plan. (Sean McAdam; Boston Sport Journal) ($$)

Alex Cora wants Brandon Phillips to be as versatile as possible, so they are giving the veteran some work at first base. (Jason Mastrodonato; Boston Herald)

Ian Kinlser is starting to get going at the plate, and Jen McCaffrey breaks down how. (Jen McCaffrey; The Athletic) ($$)