Blue Jays promote No. 6 prospect Barger, place Kiermaier on IL
The Toronto Blue Jays are calling up infield prospect Addison Barger, the team announced Wednesday.
Barger, who will be making his big-league debut when he gets into a game, is reportedly expected to be active for Wednesday's contest against the Kansas City Royals. He is already on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster.
The 24-year-old, ranked by MLB.com as Toronto's No. 6 prospect, got off to a fast start at Triple-A Buffalo this year. In 19 games with the Bisons, Barger hit .314/.435/.586 with three homers, 21 RBIs, 17 runs scored, and 14 walks to 15 strikeouts. Thirteen of his 22 hits this year were for extra bases.
Addison Barger has been great in AAA this season. He is showcasing solid power and contact metrics while lifting the ball often
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) April 24, 2024
He's a bit too passive, but he is doing everything else to a very strong degree. He is walking as much as striking out, and he has a sweet 162 wRC+ pic.twitter.com/EyiCtH0snh
Barger adds even more versatility to a group of Toronto position players that includes Cavan Biggio, Ernie Clement, and Davis Schneider. A natural infielder, Barger's seen significant time at every infield spot but has primarily shifted between shortstop and third base. This year, he's split time defensively between third and right field.
The promotion comes after the team placed starting center fielder Kevin Kiermaier on the 10-day IL with left hip flexor inflammation. Barger could potentially be deployed at third base, while Daulton Varsho covers center full-time and a Schneider-Biggio platoon mans left.