The Toronto Blue Jays have officially announced the signing of infielder Darwin Barney to a one-year $1.05-million contract.
The 30-year-old former Gold Glove winner received interest from multiple teams before agreeing to return to the Blue Jays. He plugs their need on the bench for an extra infielder who can slot in and play both shortstop and second base behind Troy Tulowitzki and Ryan Goins.
Devon Travis, who was slated to compete for the second-base job with Goins in spring training, is recovering from shoulder surgery and likely won’t be ready for the start of the regular season.
Barney appeared in 15 games for the Blue Jays during September after he was acquired in a pinch when Tulowitzki suffered a crack in his left shoulder blade. He wasn’t eligible for the post-season because he wasn’t in the organization on Aug. 31.
Over 15 games played with the Blue Jays, Barney went 7-for-23 with two homers, four RBI, a walk and two strikeouts.
— With files from Shi Davidi