Blue Jays have reportedly called up Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo

Kevin Kiermaier was removed from Tuesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning and Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet later reported that he’s dealing with left hip flexor discomfort. With that in mind, it seems likely that Kiermaier is headed to the Injured List and Barger is the player who’s being called up in his place.

Selected by the Blue Jays in the sixth round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of high school, Barger has developed into one of Toronto’s top prospects. He was added to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft in 2022 following a season that saw him hit 26 home runs and post a .933 OPS between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A.

Barger saw his production decline in 2023 largely because of an elbow injury that hampered him during the first few months of the season. The 2024 season has been a different story, as Barger has slashed a .314/.435/.586 line with three home runs and ten doubles across 19 games. He’s split his time between third base and in right field for Buffalo this season but has also played second base and shortstop with the Bisons in the past.

Many expected that Orelvis Martinez would be the player brought up from Triple-A after a week in which he smashed five dingers and drove in thirteen runs, but Barger offers a better fit for Kiermaier’s spot on the roster. Martinez is a right-handed hitter who plays the infield, while Barger is a left-handed bat who can play the in the corner outfield spots.

If Kiermaier does indeed wind up on the Injured List, the Blue Jays can play Daulton Varsho as their primary centre fielder, with George Springer, Davis Schneider, and Barger playing in right and left. If Varsho needs a day off from playing the field, Springer, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, or Cavan Biggio are short-term options for playing in centre.