Blue Jays’ John Schneider Announces Addison Barger Update Before Guardians Game
The Toronto Blue Jays just won their first series of the month earlier this week against the Los Angeles Angels . It has been a rough April for the American League pennant winners, and it is fair to say much of their struggle stems from how shorthanded they have been.
Toronto has an unusually long list of injured players, especially position players, which has made generating consistent offense difficult.
One of those missing pieces is right fielder Addison Barger , who has not played since April 5 due to a left ankle sprain sustained while running hard to first base in an attempt to beat out a ground ball.
Even before the injury, Barger had followed up his breakout 2025 campaign with a sluggish start. Through his first eight games, he collected just one hit in 18 at-bats. Still, it is a small sample size, and Barger is clearly capable of much more. Toronto is eagerly awaiting his return.
On Friday, ahead of Toronto’s series opener against the Cleveland Guardians , manager John Schneider announced an encouraging update on Barger’s status and the next steps in his recovery.
Schneider said Barger has been “running, throwing and hitting” in Dunedin. He added that the next benchmarks are running the bases and facing live pitching before beginning a rehab assignment (h/t Thomas Hall of Blue Jays Nation).
Barger’s absence has now stretched to 15 games, and in his place Nathan Lukes and Davis Schneider have taken on more outfield work. Barger has spent his entire career with Toronto since being selected in the sixth round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
With the Blue Jays still searching for stability during an injury-filled month, getting Barger back on the field would provide a much-needed boost to a lineup that has struggled to find its footing without him.
Related: Blue Jays Facing Troubling Trey Yesavage Development on Tuesday
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
