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Toronto Blue Jays Get Positive Update on Injured Outfielder's Recovery Timeline
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- Toronto Blue Jays Get Positive Update on Injured Outfielder's Recovery Timeline
(Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn images)
The Toronto Blue Jays injury troubles have been consistent throughout the season, which has derailed a year that began with World Series aspirations.
The laundry list of ailments for the Blue Jays has affected their lineup, the starting rotation, the bullpen and the overall performance on defense, as well.
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One of Toronto's best defenders, outfielder Addison Barger , has been one of the players affected with injuries. He played the first eight games of the season and missed a month of action due to a left ankle sprain.
Barger was activated off the injured list May 9 and returned to action, including making a highlight-reel-worthy throw from the outfield to record an out. After that game and play, Barger landed back on the injured list May 11 (retroactive to May 10) due to right elbow inflammation.
Barger was moved from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on July 23 and it was reported last week that he would undergo season-ending surgery .
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Originally, it was thought that the surgery could keep Barger out for portions of the 2027 season.
Barger underwent his elbow process Monday and it looks like the Jays got some good news as it pertains to the outfielder's availability for 2027
According to comments from Blue Jays manager John Schneider, which were shared in a post on "X" from SportsNet broadcaster Hazel Mae, Barger's surgery was a repair rather than a full reconstruction, which would place his recovery timeline around six months.
Schneider said that he believes Barger will be back to 100% for baseball activities come the beginning of spring training in 2027.
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Last season was Barger's first "full" year as a starter with Toronto, where he proved to be an effective hitter in addition to his high-caliber defense.
Barger finished 2025 with a slash line of .243/.301/.454 with a .755 OPS in 135 games and hit 32 doubles, a triple and 21 home runs with 74 RBIs. In the playoffs, which saw the Blue Jays make it to Game 7 of the World Series, he slashed .367/.441/.583 with a 1.024 OPS in 17 games and hit four doubles and three homers with nine RBIs.
The Blue Jays will likely be sellers at the trade deadline due to being last in the American League East. If the club does so, it will essentially represent them punting the rest of this season in hopes of bouncing back in 2027.
If that is the route Toronto takes, then Barger will likely be a major factor in the team's offense.
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