5 Blue Jays players that are most deserving of being September call-ups

Who will the Blue Jays call up when rosters expand on Sept. 1?

Spencer Horwitz, Toronto Blue Jays v Miami Marlins
Spencer Horwitz, Toronto Blue Jays v Miami Marlins | Megan Briggs/GettyImages
2 of 4

Addison Barger

Like Horwitz, Addison Barger had a slow start to his season. Hampered by over a month on the IL with an elbow injury, the 23-year-old had a forgettable first half. He hit a meager .220 with a .645 OPS and only managed two home runs — not exactly the power display that the organization had been expecting.

Barger's second half has gone more to plan. In 22 games, he's hitting at a .282 clip with a .408 on-base. Most importantly, his power is back with a .541 slugging percentage, five long balls, seven doubles, 12 RBI and 19 runs scored since July 14.

On defense, Barger has spent most of his time on the left side of the infield this season, split between shortstop and third. Recently, he has been getting reps in the outfield, now with 11 games under his belt in right field. He certainly has the arm to play anywhere on the diamond.

After striking out at a 27.3 percent rate in the first half, the lefty has shown off his plate discipline in the second half. He's sporting a 15.5 percent strikeout rate and an even higher 17.5 percent walk rate, which bodes well for when he eventually makes his MLB debut.

Ernie Clement

Versatile infielder Ernie Clement should also be on the Blue Jays' radar for a September call-up. The former Cleveland fourth-round pick has already had three stints and 13 appearances with the big club this season, not to mention his 110 games of big league experience with the Guardians and Athletics.

While the 27-year-old has had limited opportunities in a Blue Jays uniform, mainly appearing as a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner (plus one as a pitcher!) with only four starts, he has made the most of his chances. He's 4-for-8 with a double, two RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base this season.

Not only has he held his own as an end-of-the-roster player in the majors this year, but his performance in Triple-A could warrant another trip to Toronto. He has easily handled minor league pitching, posting a .349 batting average and .958 OPS in 57 games.

Clement picked up right where he left off after being returned to the Bisons to make room on the big league roster for Davis Schneider. He now has eight home runs, 14 doubles, 41 RBI, 50 runs scored and 10 steals with Buffalo.

NEXT: An outfielder who has spent plenty of time on the Jays' bench and a versatile defender who's a longshot to get a call

Schedule