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Leo Jimenez replaced by Addison Barger in Blue Jays lineup due to injury

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Leo Jimenez replaced by Addison Barger in Blue Jays lineup due to injury

September 14, 2024

Leo Jiménez was in, but now he is out.

The Blue Jays had the 23-year-old slated to start at shortstop on Saturday against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals, but a contusion to his right index finger has prompted manager John Schneider to bump the Panamanian from the starting lineup.

Jiménez’s loss was Addison Barger‘s gain. With Ernie Clement sliding over to fill the hole at short, that prompted Schneider to slot Barger into the lineup at third base, batting seventh.

Barger, 24, is hitting .208 this season with seven homers.

Opportunities at short may not come often after the weekend, with regular Bo Bichette projected to return from injury on Tuesday in Texas. Bichette, who has been out since mid-July with a right-calf strain, was scheduled to play in Buffalo again on Saturday as he works his way back from injury.

In a surprising turn of events, the Toronto Blue Jays have announced that Leo Jimenez will be replaced in the lineup by Addison Barger due to an injury. This news comes as a blow to both Jimenez and the Blue Jays, as the young infielder had been showing promise in his recent performances.

Jimenez, who was called up to the major leagues earlier this season, had been making a name for himself with his solid defense and clutch hitting. However, a recent injury has sidelined him indefinitely, forcing the Blue Jays to make a quick decision on who would take his place in the lineup.

Enter Addison Barger, a highly touted prospect in the Blue Jays’ farm system. Barger, who was recently called up from Triple-A, has been impressing coaches and teammates alike with his versatility and strong bat. While he may not have the experience of Jimenez, Barger is eager to prove himself at the major league level and make the most of this opportunity.

Manager Charlie Montoyo expressed confidence in Barger’s ability to step up and fill the void left by Jimenez’s absence. “Addison has been working hard and we believe he is ready for this challenge,” Montoyo said. “We have full faith in his abilities and are excited to see what he can bring to the table.”

As for Jimenez, the young infielder is understandably disappointed by the turn of events but remains optimistic about his recovery. “It’s tough to be sidelined like this, especially when things were going well,” Jimenez said. “But I’m determined to come back stronger than ever and help my team in any way I can.”

Injuries are an unfortunate reality in professional sports, but the Blue Jays are confident that they have the depth and talent to weather this setback. With Barger stepping into the lineup, fans can expect to see a new face making an impact on the field and helping the team continue their push for a playoff spot.