A heated exchange between the Pirates and the Blue Jays during the August 18 game spilled over the diamond. And it was only a matter of time before the heat reached social media. Over on X in a now-deleted post, Pirates vet Tommy Pham commented on a fan’s profile carrying an Addison Barger picture, “Your profile pic is of someone who takes steroids, loser.” Then, he posted a screenshot of an article from the Canadian sports network TSN that mentioned Barger had a previous “PED suspension.” And soon enough, the exchange reached the person in question.
After this, Addison Barger responded to this serious accusation through The Athletics’ reporter Mitch Bannon. Bannon posted the statement on X: “Spoke with Addison Barger. He wanted it clarified that he was suspended for a stimulant not a steroid – 50 games in 2019. He’s been tested every year since, as every player is, with no discipline since. #BlueJays.” The Jays’ star tried to correct the misinformation. But how did the drama escalate to that point?
Spoke with Addison Barger. He wanted it clarified that he was suspended for a stimulant not a steroid – 50 games in 2019.
He’s been tested every year since, as every player is, with no discipline since. #BlueJays
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) August 19, 2025
It started when Pham drew a walk and flipped his bat to Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman. This happened at the bottom of the seventh of the Pirates’ 5-2 win. Heineman later told reporters, “I don’t even know him. No idea. Barely know who he is. It was weird, man. It was unprovoked and super weird. He didn’t say a word to me. I didn’t say a word to him. He just looked like he wanted to have a fight.” This comment fueled Pham’s anger, and he responded to MLB.com reporter Keegan Matheson’s post on X, carrying Heineman’s remark.
“Bitching about a ball not being called a strike to the umpire when it’s clearly below the zone and away is disrespectful not only to the umpire but the hitter as well, so like I said when I flipped the bat, f*** him,” Pham fired back. And then this post provoked quite some mayhem on X. Soon enough, the heat escalated to Barger.
Pham’s career has other records of heated controversies, like this. Earlier this season, he was suspended for one game for his act with a fan in Anaheim. And during his time with the Reds, in 2022, he was suspended for three games for slapping then-Giants outfielder Joc Pederson.
Beyond the dugout drama: Blue Jays’ bigger battles
The Blue Jays’ manager, John Schneider, responded to this event, “I’m not worried about Tommy Pham’s opinion about anything. I’m worried about our defence. I’m worried about our at-bats.” He shifted the focus back to his team’s performance after losing two straight games against the Rangers and the Pirates.
In this very game, after an amazing defensive play, superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left the game with a hamstring injury. The initial diagnosis stated “just inflammation,” but his absence can be a major blow to the team. The Blue Jays are supposed to use Ty France, the team’s recent acquisition at the trade deadline. He has posted .351 in 13 games for the Jays.
They still hold a five-game lead in the AL East. But the second-place Yankees are coming back to their old rhythm in the late-season push after a back-to-back series win. So during this urgency, Addison Barger, with a .260 batting average, 18 home runs, and 59 RBIs this season, will be the one they must look upon for their late-season push. The Jays are also hoping for a healthy return of the pitcher Shane Bieber, who last played 2 games for the Guardians with 2 wins while allowing 0 runs in 12 innings in 2024.
The upcoming series against the Marlins, Twins, and Brewers will be important for their division title quest. Do you think they can come out on top?
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