Blue Jays Announce Discouraging Addison Barger Update

Barger was rehabbing from an elbow injury and felt soreness in his back upon ramping up his hitting. As a result, the Blue Jays sent him for an MRI that revealed a small fracture in his back.

Barger, 26, has been limited to just nine games this season. A left ankle sprain caused him to miss a month of action before right elbow inflammation landed him back on the injured list on May 10. Barger played in just one game before going back on the IL.

Barger is just 1-for-22 (.045) on the season and it's fair to question whether he will be able to return this year.

The young outfielder had a breakout campaign for the Blue Jays a season ago. In 135 games, Barger slashed .243/.301/.454 with a .755 OPS, 21 home runs and 74 RBI.

Barger also had a strong postseason for the Blue Jays, helping them make it all the way to Game 7 of the World Series. In 17 playoff games, he hit .367/.441/.583 with a 1.024 OPS, three homers and nine RBI. Overall, he went 22-for-60 at the plate in his first career postseason.

The Blue Jays were counting on Barger being a big piece to the puzzle in 2026. However, injuries have derailed his season.

Toronto has dealt with a number of pitching injuries this year and now have a banged up outfield.

Jesus Sanchez, Barger's replacement in the outfield, went on the IL over the weekend due to a right ankle sprain. Sanchez was having a nice season for the Blue Jays, slashing .274/.316/.437 with a .753 OPS, seven homers and 29 RBI in 73 games.

Nathan Lukes will continue to play right field in Barger's long-term absence. Yohendrick Piñango will likely handle the bulk of left field duties after Davis Schneider got optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

The Blue Jays are 39-45 and open up a three-game series against the lowly New York Mets on Monday. Toronto has lost seven of their last 10 games and are 2.5 games back of the third and final AL Wild Card spot.