The Toronto Blue Jays optioned third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday and recalled outfielder Nathan Lukes in a corresponding move. Barger, the team's No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline, didn't fare well in his first taste of big-league pitching, so he'll go back to the minors and work on his craft before potentially helping the Blue Jays as a utility option later in the year. In his first 18 major-league at-bats, the 24-year-old former sixth-rounder in 2018 had just one hit, a run scored, no walks and six strikeouts in five games played. Barger certainly has the look of a major-leaguer and is a physical specimen at 6-foot, 210 pounds, but he has some work to do before he's an option for fantasy managers outside of dynasty/keeper formats.

Outfield prospect Addison Barger is joining the Toronto Blue Jays in Kansas City on Wednesday and is expected to be active, according to a source. Barger offers left-handed power and the ability to play the corner-outfield spots as well as third base. It's notable after outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (hip) left Tuesday night's game with hip-flexor discomfort. The team's No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, was hitting .314 (22-for-70) with three home runs, 21 RBI and 17 runs scored in 19 games for Triple-A Buffalo before getting his first big-league call-up. The 24-year-old former sixth-round pick in 2018 could see decent playing time in the short term in Toronto's outfield if Kiermaier hits the injured list, making him worth a pickup in deeper fantasy leagues for his 30-homer potential from the left side.

Toronto Blue Jays infield prospect Addison Barger (elbow) returned to Triple-A Buffalo on June 21 and has a home run, three doubles and seven walks in 12 games for the Bisons since then, but he may require offseason elbow surgery. He's played in eight games in the field since returning from his injury -- three at shortstop and five at third base. Barger, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the team's No. 6 prospect, has hit only .226/.329/.331 with two home runs, seven doubles, 14 RBI and 15 runs scored in 32 games for Buffalo this year, but he could be battling with fellow prospect Orelvis Martinez for the third base job in the future if Matt Chapman departs via free agency this winter. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter had a breakout season in 2022 that saw him hit 26 home runs with a .308 average at three minor-league levels.

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop prospect Addison Barger (elbow) has been out since April 28 with a right-elbow injury, but he's not dealing with any structural damage after having it checked out by Dr. Keith Meister in Texas this week, according to sources. Barger is now rehabbing at the team's spring training facilities in Florida. The 23-year-old got off to a slow start at Triple-A Buffalo before his injury, hitting just .237 (18-for-76) with four doubles, a home run, six RBI, one steal, 10 runs scored and 27 strikeouts in 20 games played. Barger is the team's No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, but it remains to be seen when he'll be back in action down on the farm. The left-handed hitter broke out in 2022 with a .308 average and 26 home runs.

Toronto Blue Jays third base prospect Addison Barger is slashing .333/.429/.583 with a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored over three games with Triple-A Buffalo in 2023. He is the Blue Jays No. 6 prospect coming off a tremendous 2022 season. He hit 26 home runs with a 25.1 K% and an 8.9 BB% between three different levels in the minors. The 23-year-old has only played 11 games in Triple-A and will likely need more time in the minor leagues before getting the call to the big leagues. Barger could eventually be an everyday player with the potential to hit 20-plus homers and steal 10-plus bags. Barger is a must-stash in all dynasty leagues.