John Schneider Sends Yohendrick Pinango Message After Blue Jays Roster Move

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger officially returned from the injured list on Saturday and made the start against the Los Angeles Angels. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger returns after missing a month of action due to a left ankle sprain suffered in early April.

Barger's activation forced Toronto to make a corresponding roster move. The Blue Jays have had to make several difficult decisions as the team continues to get healthier, and Saturday brought another one.

The club optioned outfielder Yohendrick Pinango back to the minor leagues in a roster announcement on X. Before the game, manager John Schneider spoke with reporters about how tough the call was and how much the organization values Pinango.

"He fit in really well. He is a good example of what I tell guys in camp, know and own what you are good at. He can swing the bat fast, hit the ball hard. He controlled the zone, played good defence. We feel very comfortable bringing him back up if needed," Schneider said (h/t Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet).

Schneider on Pinango: "He fit in really well. He's a good example of what I tell guys in camp - know and own what you're good at. He can swing the bat fast, hit the ball hard. He controlled the zone, played good defence. We feel very comfortable bringing him back up if needed." https://t.co/Y86bvBCf1t

— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) May 9, 2026

Pinango, a 24-year-old capable of playing both corner outfield spots, was the logical choice to send down with Barger returning to right field. But he did everything possible to make the decision difficult. Pinango posted a .423 batting average, .444 on-base percentage and .906 OPS in 10 big-league appearances.

He provided a major boost to the bottom of the order and helped support Toronto's offense during a stretch when the team badly needed production.

However, Barger is a proven talent, and the Blue Jays simply needed more positional flexibility on the bench, particularly on the infield, which made Pinango the odd man out.

Pinango will likely be the first player called up if Toronto suffers another outfield injury at any point in 2026, and his performance this month showed he is ready for that opportunity when it comes.

For now, the Blue Jays will move forward in a different direction, while Pinango continues to develop in Triple-A.

Related: Blue Jays' Ernie Clement Announces Career News

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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 5:17 PM.