The Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant roster move ahead of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Rogers Centre on April 15, 2025. In a bid to shake things up, the team has recalled utility infielder Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo, filling the roster spot vacated by outfielder Nathan Lukes, who has been placed on the paternity list.
This marks Barger's first appearance in the Major Leagues this season. Last year, he played 69 games for the Blue Jays, where he struggled with a batting average of .197 but managed to hit seven home runs and drive in 28 runs. Barger will step into the lineup as the right fielder and is slated to bat seventh against the Braves.
"This is a big opportunity for me, and I’m ready to contribute to the team in any way I can," Barger said after the announcement. He has been working hard to improve his game, and his recent performance at Triple-A, where he recorded a .211 batting average with two home runs and seven RBIs in 12 games, suggests he is eager to make a mark.
Meanwhile, Nathan Lukes has had a rough start to the season, hitting only .167 with three RBIs through 12 games. His wife, Taylor, is currently in labor with their second child, a baby boy, in Arizona, prompting his placement on the paternity list. "I’ll be getting updates during the game, but my focus is on the team right now," Lukes shared before the game.
The Blue Jays are looking to regain momentum after suffering three losses in their last four games. They currently sit at 9-8, and with the Braves struggling at 5-11, this matchup presents an opportunity for Toronto to bounce back.
On the mound for the Blue Jays is Kevin Gausman, who has been one of the standout pitchers so far this season. With a record of 1-1 and a 2.33 ERA, Gausman has struck out 14 batters and is coming off a stellar performance where he allowed just one unearned run over eight innings in a previous game against the Boston Red Sox. His success against the Braves, with a career ERA of 2.29 over 19 2/3 innings, adds to the confidence surrounding his start tonight.
Gausman will face off against Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach, who has been impressive in his own right, boasting a 1-0 record and a minuscule 0.45 ERA with 19 strikeouts. Schwellenbach opened the season with 14 scoreless innings, making him one of the toughest pitchers to face early in the season. However, batters have managed to hit .286 against his fastball, which could provide an opening for the Blue Jays if they can capitalize on his other pitches.
The starting lineup for the Blue Jays features a familiar cast, with Bo Bichette leading off, followed by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander. The full lineup for the game is as follows:
1. SS Bo Bichette
2. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
3. DH Anthony Santander
4. 2B Andrés Giménez
5. C Alejandro Kirk
6. 3B Will Wagner
7. RF Addison Barger
8. CF Myles Straw
9. LF Alan Roden
Myles Straw, who hit his first home run of the season just yesterday, will look to build on that momentum as he takes the field again. The Blue Jays' batting order has shown some inconsistency, but the addition of Barger could provide the spark they need to turn things around.
As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on Barger to see how he performs in his return to the big leagues. The Blue Jays are hoping that his presence can help them overcome their recent struggles and secure a much-needed victory against the Braves.
With the game still in progress, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome and the potential impact of this roster change. The Blue Jays are determined to improve their standing in the league, and tonight's game could be a pivotal moment in their season.
