Jacob Barnes: Everything you need to know

Barnes elected to become a free agent Tuesday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. Barnes cleared waivers after being removed from the Blue Jays' 40-man roster, but he's opted for free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment. The veteran reliever holds a 9.00 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 5:3 K:BB through eight innings this season and will now look to latch on in another organization.

Toronto designated Barnes for assignment Sunday. Barnes' removal from the 40-man roster was one of a series of Toronto moves involving relievers Sunday, as fellow righties Paxton Schultz and Dillon Tate were summoned from the minors and righty Nick Sandlin (lat) was placed on the 15-day IL. It's been a rough season so far for Barnes, who has a 9.00 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 5:3 K:BB through eight innings across six appearances.

The Blue Jays selected Barnes' contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. Despite attending camp as a non-roster invitee and posting a 6.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 6:3 K:BB over 5.1 innings in the Grapefruit League, Barnes was able to win a spot in the Blue Jays' Opening Day bullpen. He'll likely be ticketed for lower-leverage work.