Scott Barlow’s reunion with the Kansas City Royals was short-lived.
According to MiLB.com’s transactions log, the Royals released Barlow from his minor league contract Thursday. He had been with Triple-A Omaha since July 1.
Barlow, 33, began the 2026 season with the Athletics after signing a one-year, $2 million deal in free agency. The veteran right-hander struggled to a 6.48 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and career-low 7.8 K/9 rate over 36 appearances before being released in late June.
Despite those numbers, Barlow’s home/road splits made him a prime change-of-scenery candidate. He allowed 22 earned runs and six homers in 15.2 innings between Sacramento’s hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park and the brief homestand the A’s had at their Triple-A ballpark in Las Vegas. On the road, he gave up just two runs in 17.2 innings.
Barlow previously pitched with the Royals from 2018 to 2023, serving as the team’s closer during his final three years. During his time in Kansas City, he recorded 56 saves while producing a 3.39 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 10.7 K/9 rate. He was traded to the San Diego Padres at the 2023 MLB trade deadline and spent the following two seasons as a setup man with the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds.
The Royals took a flier on Barlow following his release from the A’s, with hopes he could eventually rejoin their major league bullpen. However, his struggles continued in Omaha, where he allowed nine earned runs on 13 hits—including five homers—in 14.1 innings. The right-hander also walked 15 of the 67 batters he faced (22.4 percent).
For most of his career through the end of 2025, Barlow sat between 92 and 93 mph on both his sinker and four-seamer. His average velocity dropped to 89 mph on both pitches with the A’s. During his time with Omaha, he averaged 89.6 mph on his sinker and 88.1 mph on his fastball.
Barlow’s past track record could influence another club to pick him up on a minor league deal for additional late-season bullpen depth. But with time running out before this year’s Sept. 1 postseason eligibility deadline, it is possible the right-hander waits for the offseason, when he can focus on regaining some velocity and addressing his command issues.
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