Barriera tossed four scoreless, no-hit innings for Single-A Dunedin on Wednesday, striking out six and walking one.
The 19-year-old was absolutely dominant in his first action as a professional, especially considering he hadn't pitched in a game anywhere in about a year -- Barriera shut himself down at the end of his final high-school season before being selected 23rd overall by Toronto in the 2022 MLB Draft. The southpaw sat comfortably in the mid-90s with his fastball, and Florida State League hitters had little chance against a slider that already looks like a plus pitch. Barriera isn't expected to see a big workload this season as the Blue Jays focus on his health and development -- he was held back this spring due to some shoulder soreness -- but he will soar up prospect lists quickly with more outings like this one.
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Blue Jays' Brandon Barriera: Pro debut coming next week
Rotowire
Barriera (shoulder) will make his pro debut Wednesday for Single-A Dunedin, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.
A high-upside prep lefty whom the Blue Jays selected with the 23rd overall pick in last year's draft, Barriera's pro debut was delayed this spring by a shoulder issue that the team wanted to be very cautious with. It's excellent news that the injury was indeed minor, as Barriera is still on schedule developmentally as a 19-year-old at Single-A.
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Blue Jays' Brandon Barriera: Recovering from shoulder issue
Rotowire
Barriera dealt with a shoulder issue this spring and was held back in extended spring training, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.
Per Callis, the Jays are being "super cautious" with Barriera's workload back in Florida before assigning him to a full-season affiliate. The 23rd overall pick last season, Barriera has a very high ceiling and could break out this year if he can get fully healthy. Look for the Jays to keep the training wheels on with their prized lefty this year, likely limiting how deep he goes into games early in the season.
