Barton has a legitimate chance of earning a roster spot with the Blue Jays out of camp, Sportsnet.ca reports. A good defender at first base, Barton's presence on the roster would potentially lead to more time at DH for Edwin Encarnacion. This spring, Barton is competing for a roster spot with Justin Smoak and perhaps to a lesser extent Danny Valencia, but the right-handed hitting Valencia is viewed as a likely platoon option for the Jays against left-handed starters.

Barton signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays on Tuesday that includes an invite to spring training. Barton led the American League in walks in 2010 (110), but he's appeared in just 180 over the past four seasons, batting just .215 over that span. He bottomed out in 2014 (.158/.234/.175), but his proven on-base skills earned him a spring training invite with Toronto, and the change of scenery could help him get back on track. That said, he'll face an uphill battle to break camp with a roster spot.

Barton has elected free agency, Matt Eddy of Baseball America reports. A first-round pick (28th overall) in 2003, Barton hit just .158 with one extra-base hit in 30 games with the A's this season. He was significantly better at Triple-A Sacramento (.261/.271/.411), and he's a .247/.356/.365 career hitter at the major league level, so the 29-year-old figures to at least receive a spring training invite from another club.

Athletics sent 1B Daric Barton outright to Triple-A Sacramento. Barton was designated for assignment on Thursday and cleared waivers. He'll serve as organizational depth in the minor leagues, and should return to the A's at some point during the season.

Athletics designated 1B Daric Barton for assignment. Barton got the boot off the A's 40-man roster Thursday to clear a spot for Kyle Blanks, who was acquired from the Padres for two minor leaguers. Barton owns a pedestrian .247 career batting average and .365 career slugging percentage, but he has a good OBP skillset and is a strong defender at first base. The 28-year-old should draw interest from other teams.

Daric Barton will be the Athletics' regular first baseman against right-handed pitching. John Jaso's concussion issues appear to be behind him, clearing the way for him to see the bulk of his playing time behind the plate. That opens up the designated hitter spot for Brandon Moss and first base for Barton. The 28-year-old offers a nice eye at the plate and a good glove at first but sports just a .223/.334/.298 batting line over the last three seasons.

Daric Barton (hamstring) will return to the Athletics starting lineup on Saturday. The veteran first baseman has been nursing a mild hamstring strain over the last week, but was able to make it through Thursday's workout without any problems.

Daric Barton (hamstring) will return to Cactus League play on Saturday if he gets through a workout Thursday with no issues. Barton has been nursing a mild hamstring strain since last Saturday. It's not a concern moving forward as long as he can avoid setbacks.

Athletics manager Bob Melvin said Monday that Daric Barton (hamstring) will miss at least a few more days. Barton left Saturday's Cactus League game due to a Grade 1 strain of his right hamstring. There's no sense risking making things worse, so he'll rest for now.

Daric Barton has been diagnosed with a strained hamstring. Barton was removed prematurely from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rockies when he fouled a ball off his foot. Consider him day-to-day.