The Toronto Blue Jays are struggling to put together a strong start to the 2026 MLB season, coming off a trip to the World Series last fall, and injuries have a lot to do with that.
Toronto has opened the 2026 campaign with a 4-6 record and has dropped multiple games in a row, including to the two worst teams in the league last season, and keeps struggling to build momentum.
Several key contributors have already landed on the injured list, which isn't making things easier for the Blue Jays. Catcher Alejandro Kirk remains sidelined with a thumb fracture and the subsequent surgery, while pitchers Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage, among others, have dealt with different issues through the first two weeks of the campaign.
Addison Barger has also been bitten by the early-season injury bug.
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The 26-year-old right fielder has appeared in eight games, hitting a horrid .053 with one hit, scoring one run and contributing two RBIs across 19 at-bats.
Barger exited Sunday’s game against the Chicago White Sox after injuring his ankle while stretching for first base. He remained in briefly before being removed and was held out of the lineup on Monday's series-opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Blue Jays finally completed a roster move involving Barger and made it official on Tuesday ahead of the matchup against the Dodgers, placing him on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain.
The move is retroactive to April 6, so Barger will be eligible to return April 16.
Toronto also made a corresponding roster move, adding infielder Tyler Fitzgerald after he joined the team’s taxi squad.
Toronto hosts Los Angeles on Tuesday for the second game of the series, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET.
