Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger has spent far more time at the club’s complex in Dunedin this season than anyone in the organization hoped. The 26-year-old entered 2026 coming off a breakout postseason in which he hit .367 with three home runs and nine RBIs, including the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history. Expectations were high that he would establish himself as one of the American League’s more dangerous bats over a full, healthy season.
Instead, his year has been defined by setbacks. After suffering a left ankle sprain on April 5 when he landed awkwardly at first base, Barger missed over a month. He was activated on May 10, only to be scratched the next day with right elbow soreness that later developed into inflammation, sending him back to the injured list.
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His recovery has been slow but progressive. But on Tuesday, the Blue Jays finally provided a positive update on his recovery. According to manager John Schneider, Barger has progressed to hitting and throwing at the Dunedin complex (h/t Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling). It’s the first time he has done either since the elbow issue flared up in May.
While this marks real progress, there are still some checkpoints to be ticked before Barger finally returns to the lineup.
Barger will need to advance to live batting practice, followed by a minor league rehab assignment before a return to the majors becomes realistic. A conservative timeline points to a potential return in mid-to-late June.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays (29-31) will look to bounce back from two disappointing losses on Tuesday when they face the Atlanta Braves (40-20), the hottest team in MLB right now.
