Addison Barger Injury: John Schneider Announces Update on Outfielder Before Blue Jays Game

The Toronto Blue Jays are finally beginning to get healthy as the 2026 MLB season moves into May. April was not kind to Toronto, especially the position player group.

Three everyday contributors landed on the injured list, including All-Stars Alejandro Kirk and George Springer, along with outfielder Addison Barger. While the absences of Kirk and Springer were significant, losing Barger was also a major blow.

The 26-year-old left-handed slugger helped make the bottom of Toronto's lineup dangerous last season, breaking out with a .243 batting average, .301 on-base percentage, .756 OPS, 21 home runs and 74 RBIs across 135 games. He played a key role in the Blue Jays run to the World Series.

Barger has not played since April 5 after injuring both ankles while sprinting to first base in a game against the Chicago White Sox. He was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list with only the left ankle sprain.

Since then, Barger has steadily progressed. He began a rehab assignment on Sunday and immediately showed he is close to returning, launching a two-tun home run in his first game action. He served as the designated hitter, but the Blue Jays expect him to return to the field soon.

On Monday, ahead of the series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager John Schneider outlined the plan for Barger. Schneider said the club is aiming to activate him over the weekend.

Barger, speaking with reporters, added that he feels good and expects to play again during his rehab assignment on Tuesday and possibly Wednesday (h/t Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet).

Addison Barger says he's feeling good. Will play tomorrow and possibly Wednesday in rehab games. Tentatively on track to be activated this weekend per John Schneider

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) May 4, 2026

This is good news for the Blue Jays, who have been waiting for reinforcements after a difficult first month. Barger will also look to put the first eight games of his 2026 season behind him. He collected just one hit in his first 23 plate appearances before going down with the injury.

Toronto will open a homestand this Friday against the Los Angeles Angels after wrapping up its current road trip in Tampa Bay, and Barger appears on track to rejoin the lineup.

Related: Blue Jays Receive Alejandro Kirk Injury Update Before Rays Game

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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM.