TORONTO – Addison Barger’s first major league appearance was disappointing. His second (only one game allowed so far) has already gone better.
George Springer, Barger and Spencer Horwitz all had RBI singles in second-inning rallies as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-0 on Saturday. Barger also walked, a huge improvement from his first cup of coffee in the bigs, when he went 1-for-18 in five games earlier in the season.
“It feels a little different. “I felt more relaxed and calm this time.” Barger said. “Last time, everything happened really fast and it was new.
“Now I know what to expect and I feel more comfortable.”
Barger’s first stint with the Blue Jays began on April 24 and lasted until May 1. The 24-year-old utility player was sent back to Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo, New York the next day. He batted .256 with eight home runs and 34 RBI for the Bisons.
Barger was recalled from Buffalo when veteran designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach was designated for assignment Friday.
“I thought I had to get back to work,” Barger said of being sent down to the minors. “I knew what to do and I worked hard every day to get a chance to move up.”
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Isiah Kiner-Falefa added an RBI single in the fourth for Toronto (34-36) and Daulton Varsho added another RBI in the fifth. The Blue Jays improved to 26-7 with four or more runs scored.
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Reliever Trevor Richards was Toronto’s opener, allowing one hit and striking out one over 2 1/3 innings, and the Blue Jays have yet to find a fifth starter to replace Alec Manoa.
The burly 6-foot-6 Manoa last pitched on May 29. He is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm.
Relievers Tim Mayza, Jack Popp of Brampton, Ont., Borden Francis (3-2), Genesis Cabrera and Nate Pearson kept the shutout for the Blue Jays.
Shortstop Brayan Rocchio said Cleveland’s offense was hampered by too many Toronto pitchers.
“It’s tough because every time you plan for one pitcher, you have to adjust the rest of the game,” he said. “When you see a lot of pitchers, you have to adapt quickly and keep fighting,” he said.
Carlos Carrasco (2-6) allowed five runs on six hits and two walks. In Cleveland, he recorded two strikeouts in five innings (44-24). Tim Herrin and Pedro Avila combined to throw three scoreless innings out of the Guardians bullpen.
Justin Turner started the second inning with a walk and Barsho put runners on base with a double. Springer’s hit scored Turner and advanced Varsho. Barger hit a no-out single to cash in on Varsho.
“I think what Barger is doing in Triple-A is hitting the ball with some authority, and I hope that translates here,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said.
Kiner-Falefah advanced Barger and Springer with second and third on a sacrifice bunt, and Horwitz singled to left field. After two inning, Springer had a 3-0 lead.
Toronto added another run in the fourth when Kiner-Falefa’s single to center field scored Springer. Kiner-Falefa made a rare appearance at shortstop with All-Star Bo Bichette taking a day off to rest a sore right calf.
Varsho scored another run for the Blue Jays in the fifth inning. He committed a double play with the bases loaded. Turner was eliminated in second, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. advanced to third and Danny Jansen scored to make it 5-0.
JOSE PA-MIREZ — Guardians All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez was placed on the team’s paternity leave list just hours before opener. He will likely rejoin the Guardians on Tuesday in Cleveland for the start of their homestand.
ON DECK — José Berríos (5-5) is scheduled to take the mound for Toronto in Sunday’s series finale.
Ben Lively (6-2) is scheduled to play in Cleveland’s matinee.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2024.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
