FEBRUARY 26, 2023•POST-GAZETTE.COM
Kevin Plawecki makes interesting, late entry into competition for Pirates' backup catcher jobKevin Plawecki was a late signing for the Pirates, but the veteran catcher has a better-than-average shot at backing up Austin Hedges.
Natural righty, Blue Jays prospect models lefty swing on IchiroDUNEDIN, Fla. -- When Addison Barger -- who was born in 1999 in Washington State -- was roughly 8 or 9 years old, he made what now may be ca...
FEBRUARY 26, 2023•MLB.COM
Kirk withdraws from Classic, to join Blue Jays soonDUNEDIN, Fla. -- Alejandro Kirk will no longer participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic as he’s still away from Blue Jays camp awa...
FEBRUARY 26, 2023•MLB.COM
Addison Barger - Displays power in spring debutBarger went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.
ImpactGetting the start at third base and hitting sixth behind Blue Jays regulars like Vladimir Guerrero, Daulton Varsho and Danny Jansen, Barger turned on a fastball from Pittsburgh closer David Bednar and crushed it deep to right field in the fourth inning. Barger had a breakout year in the minors in 2022, ascending from High-A to Triple-A and posting a combined .306/.375/.544 slash line with 25 homers in 126 games, and the 23-year-old appears poised to make his big-league debut sometime this season, potentially in the same kind of utility role currently filled by Cavan Biggio.
FEBRUARY 26, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - Starts spring with bangGuerrero went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.
ImpactFacing Pittsburgh closer David Bednar in the fourth inning, Guerrero annihilated a hanging curve up in the zone and lined it deep to left-center field. The 23-year-old slugger didn't ascend to superstardom last season as many predicted, but it speaks to his upside that an .819 OPS with 32 homers and 97 RBI was considered a bit of a disappointment. Don't be surprised if he rebounds to something closer to his breakout 2021 campaign.
FEBRUARY 26, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Yusei Kikuchi - Might benefit from pitch clockKikuchi seemed more focused on the mound during his spring debut Saturday against the Pirates, a change that may have been prompted by MLB's new pitch clock, Kaitlyn McGrath of The...
ImpactThe 31-year-old left-hander has had a very up-and-down MLB career so far, posting an ERA under 5.00 only once in four seasons, but Kikuchi's arm talent has never been in question. Being forced to work more quickly could prove to be a boon for him, as he won't be able to overthink things and will simply have to get the ball to the plate. "I think the clock is going to help him with the way he worked," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Saturday. "The tempo was fabulous." Kikuchi worked two scoreless innings against Pittsburgh, giving up one hit and striking out five, and if he continues to impress in camp he should emerge as the favorite for the fifth starter spot ahead of Mitch White (shoulder).
FEBRUARY 26, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Kevin Kiermaier - Starting SundayKiermaier (hip) is starting in center field and batting sixth in Sunday's spring game against the Yankees.
ImpactThe 32-year-old is making his spring debut for the Blue Jays after he signed a one-year, $9 million contract in December. Kiermaier played in just 63 games last season and underwent hip surgery in August, but he's fully healthy for Grapefruit League action and is expected to operate as Toronto's everyday center fielder this year.
FEBRUARY 26, 2023•ROTOWIRE
