The Toronto Blue Jays are struggling to stay competitive early in the 2026 MLB season, although it is not entirely their fault. The club has dealt with a wave of injuries and bad luck that has derailed the opening stretch.
One of their most productive hitters from last year, Addison Barger, is among the most recent position players to hit the injured list. The 26-year-old right fielder is currently on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain suffered while running out a ground ball.
Even before the injury, Barger had struggled, collecting just one hit in his first 19 at-bats. Still, he is clearly capable of much more. In 2025, he posted a .243 batting average, .301 on-base percentage, .756 OPS, 21 home runs and 74 RBIs across 135 games while helping lead Toronto to the World Series.
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As the Blue Jays await the return of several key players, manager John Schneider shared a positive update on Barger before Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, which marked Barger’s ninth straight missed contest.
Barger has resumed baseball activity at the Blue Jays’ complex in Florida, meaning he is currently away from the team rehabbing.
He is expected to begin swinging over the next two days and progress to running by next week. From there, the next step could include a rehab assignment if all goes well (h/t Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet).
This is an encouraging development for a Toronto team that needs all the help it can get. The Blue Jays sit tied for last place in the American League East at 7-11, but expectations remain high after last year’s deep postseason run.
Barger has spent his entire MLB career with Toronto after being selected in the sixth round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He remains under team control through the 2030 season, giving the Blue Jays a long runway to build around him as part of their future core.
For now, the hope is that Barger’s recovery continues without setbacks, as another injury delay would only add to Toronto’s early-season challenges.
