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.

Daric Barton was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rockies after just one inning after he fouled a ball off his foot.

He will likely head for a precautionary X-ray to rule out a potential fracture. The team should provide an update on his status shortly.

Athletics avoided arbitration with 1B Daric Barton by agreeing to a one-year contract.

The financials of the deal aren't yet known, but he should receive a modest raise over last year's $1.1 million salary. Barton batted .269/.350/.375 with three homers and 16 RBI in 104 at-bats last season for the A's.

Daric Barton will be tendered a contract by the A's.

Barton was a strong non-tender candidate after another disappointing season, but the 28-year-old first baseman is a good defender and shouldn't cost the A's too much money. He's arbitration-eligible for the second time after pulling in a $1.1 million salary in 2013.

Jane Lee of MLB.com believes that Daric Barton is a candidate to be non-tendered by the Athletics.

The 28-year-old is better known for his defensive chops than he is with the bat, but fared well in limited time this season, slashing .269/.350/.375 with three homers and 16 RBI in 104 at-bats. The problem is that the A's already have Brandon Moss, Nate Freiman and Seth Smith capable of playing first base, and may not be able to justify Barton's salary.

Daric Barton went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer off Yu Darvish and a walk Wednesday against the Rangers.

The homer was Barton's second in 46 at-bats this season, which is one more than he had in 349 at-bats between 2011 and '12. The A's are perfectly willing to go with the hot hand at first base and DH right now, so the opportunity is there for Barton to make an impact. Still, he's a fringe AL-only property right now.

Inserted right into the starting lineup, Daric Barton went 2-for-5 with a couple of RBI against the Tigers on Monday.

The A's played Brandon Moss in right field to make room for Barton at first base. It looks like he'll get a little audition against right-handers, so maybe he'll be worth picking up in AL-only leagues.

Athletics recalled 1B Daric Barton from Triple-A Sacramento.

Barton will be in the A's starting lineup on Monday evening for the opening of a big series in Detroit against the Tigers. He has been producing offensively at the Triple-A level but is not a great fantasy bet.

The Athletics are expected to recall Daric Barton from Triple-A Sacramento.

With Josh Reddick (wrist) likely heading to the disabled list, Barton will be added to the active roster. The 28-year-old is batting .297/.424/.431 with seven home runs and 69 RBI at the Triple-A level and will provide corner infield depth.

Athletics sent 1B Daric Barton outright to Triple-A Sacramento.

Barton cleared waivers after being designated for assignment over the weekend. The 27-year-old batted .143 (3-for-21) in eight games with the A's and will function as minor league depth.

Athletics designated 1B Daric Barton for assignment.

Barton is batting just .143 (3-for-21) in eight games with Oakland this season. He's doubtful to draw any interest on waivers and should return as organizational depth at Triple-A Sacramento.