Addison Barger is finally getting his shot.
Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith confirmed Wednesday that the slugging utility player has been recalled to the Toronto Blue Jays roster.
Barger will make his MLB debut Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals, playing left field and batting eighth for Toronto.
The move was first reported by Johnny Giunta of the Gate 14 Podcast.
To make room for Barger on the roster, the Blue Jays placed outfielder Kevin Kiermaier on the 10-day injured list with left hip flexor inflammation.
Kiermaier left Tuesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning.
He was replaced in the lineup by Cavan Biggio and in centre by Daulton Varsho. Kiermaier was 0-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt in the game before exiting.
Barger has slashed .314/.435/.586 through his first 19 games with triple-A Buffalo this season, spending time at third base and in right field. He has added 10 doubles and three home runs to the powerful Bisons offence.
The right-handed throwing, left-handed swinging Barger has played more third base this season, logging 87 innings in the infield, but has also put in a fair amount of time in right, playing 40 innings in the outfield.
The 24-year-old was the team’s sixth-round pick in 2018 and has steadily progressed through the minor leagues.
Toronto’s No. 6 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, Barger was impressive in nine games with the Blue Jays in spring training, posting a 1.157 OPS in 18 at-bats.
The Blue Jays will continue their four-game series with the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night as Yariel Rodriguez takes the mound against Alec Marsh. You can catch all the action on Sportsnet One or Sportsnet+, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.
