News and Notes: Addison Barger won’t be out long with a hand contusion

For more than one reason, this was unfortunate. Not just because there’s no baseball to watch, but we won’t be able to see Bowden Francis’ debut until tomorrow. The good news is that not only Francis but Max Scherzer is expected to appear in Tuesday afternoon’s game.

After that, José Berríos is expected to make his Spring Training debut on Wednesday, before Easton Lucas makes his second start of the Spring on Thursday. The Blue Jays play a split-squad game on Friday, with Chris Bassitt making his debut at home and Jake Bloss appearing in his second game on the road.

Hopefully, there will be no more rainouts.

Addison Barger has a hand contusion

In the first inning of Sunday’s game, Addison Barger took a Garrett Crochet pitch to the hand and was removed from the game. According to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said the X-rays were negative Barger won’t be out long.

After a terrific 2022 season in the minor leagues, Barger became one of the best Blue Jays prospects but struggled in 2023. The third baseman/outfielder got back on track in 2024, slashing .260/.391/.466 with nine home runs in 249 plate appearances with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

He also had his major league debut in 2024, appearing in 69 games where he slashed .197/.250/.351 with seven home runs in 225 plate appearances for a 70 wRC+. His final stint in the big leagues, starting on Jul. 25, was much better as he finished slashing .214/.277/.414 with a 95 wRC+.

Third base is up for grabs for the Blue Jays in 2025 and Addison Barger could potentially fill that role if he has a good Spring Training. He has a ton of power in his bat and certainly has the arm for the hot corner.

Andrew Chafin signs minor-league deal with Tigers

Andrew Chafin signed a minor-league deal with the Detroit Tigers on Monday evening.

Although Chafin was never connected to the Blue Jays in any way this off-season, the left-handed pitcher would’ve been a good fit on paper. Last season with the Tigers and Texas Rangers, the left-handed pitcher had a 3.51 ERA and a 3.54 FIP in 56.1 innings pitched with a 28.5 K% and a 12.6 BB%.

For his career, he has a respectable 3.42 ERA and a 3.29 FIP in 508.1 innings pitched with a 25.9 K% and a 10 BB%. Chafin’s best season came in 2021 with the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics, posting a 1.83 ERA and a 2.98 FIP in 68.2 innings pitched with a 24.1 K% and a 7.1 BB%.

The Blue Jays have a handful of left-handed pitchers who can contend for a 26-man roster spot, like Ryan Yarbrough, Brendon Little, Josh Walker, and Easton Lucas. They also have an interesting minor league in Mason Fluharty, who could earn a shot with the team at some point in 2025.