John Schneider Shares Addison Barger Update After 4 Missed Blue Jays Games
Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Addison Barger's return to the lineup lasted just one day. After missing 30 games with a left ankle sprain, Barger returned to the starting lineup last Saturday in a game against the Los Angeles Angels.
He had an electric return, reaching base twice and showing off his arm in right field by throwing out a runner at home plate. It was exactly the type of impact he hoped to bring for the rest of the season.
Unfortunately, that did not last. Last Sunday, Barger was scratched from the lineup with right elbow inflammation, and shortly after he landed back on the 10-day injured list.
Barger's setback was especially frustrating for the Blue Jays, who believed they were finally getting healthy. Instead, Barger remains stuck at just nine games played this season and will continue to miss more time.
Ahead of Friday's series opener with the Detroit Tigers, manager John Schneider spoke with reporters and announced an update on Barger's condition. Schneider said Barger is "doing better" and that the goal is for him to be able to hit and throw again by next week.
After that, Schneider added his return should be "pretty quick", likely indicating Barger will not need a lengthy rehab assignment before rejoining the team (h/t Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet).
More Blue Jays notes:
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) May 15, 2026
• Addison Barger "doing better" per John Schneider. Hope is he's hitting and throwing again by next week and that he can be "pretty quick" after that.
• Max Scherzer is back to throwing and feeling better
• Yimi Garcia throwing a bullpen Tuesday
This is encouraging news for the Blue Jays, who need Barger back as soon as possible. Last year he was one of the organization's breakout players and played a major role in helping Toronto reach the Fall Classic.
Across 135 games in what was his first full season in the majors, the 26-year-old left-handed slugger posted a .243 batting average, .301 on-base percentage, .756 OPS, 21 home runs and 74 RBIs.
If Barger can get healthy and return to that level, he would give Toronto a much-needed boost as they attempt to get back over the .500 mark.
Related: Blue Jays' John Schneider Announces Alejandro Kirk News Before Tigers Game
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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 4:09 PM.