Blue Jays Announce Disappointing Addison Barger News on Thursday
The Toronto Blue Jays have spent much of the season trying to overcome injuries to key contributors, including Addison Barger. Entering Thursday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox, Toronto had climbed back to within two games of .500 after consecutive wins at Fenway Park, but it has largely done so without one of its most promising young hitters. The Blue Jays entered the day at 36-38, still third in the American League East and trailing the division-leading New York Yankees by 10 games.
Barger has appeared in just nine games all season. After missing more than a month earlier in the year because of ankle issues, the 26-year-old returned in May only to suffer another setback when he was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation.
The Blue Jays placed him back on the injured list on May 11, just two days after his return to the lineup. An MRI revealed inflammation but no structural damage, allowing the club to avoid a worst-case scenario.
For much of June, the news surrounding Barger had been increasingly positive. On Tuesday, manager John Schneider revealed that the outfielder had progressed to hitting off a Trajekt machine and had extended his throwing program to 150 feet. At the time, the hope was that Barger could begin a rehab assignment before the end of the week (via Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling).
However, that timeline appears to have been pushed back.
Schneider said Thursday that there is still no rehab assignment date for Barger. The Blue Jays manager added that it is possible the former top prospect does not get into game action until early next week, delaying what had appeared to be an imminent step toward his return.
No rehab assignment date yet for Addison Barger (elbow); it's possible he doesn't get into games until early next week
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) June 18, 2026
Meanwhile, Lenyn Sosa (wrist contusion) is hitting & doing defensive work at Blue Jays complex in Florida. It's possible he begins a rehab assignment next week
After weeks of steady progress, many expected Barger to begin facing live competition within days. Instead, Toronto will continue to take a cautious approach with a player it views as an important piece of its future.
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The Blue Jays have every reason to be patient, however. Barger broke out in 2025, hitting .243 with 21 home runs, 74 RBIs and a .756 OPS across 135 games.
As the Blue Jays continue to anticipate Barger's full recovery, they will now turn their attention to completing a sweep of the Red Sox. Thursday's series finale at Fenway Park is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET, with Trey Yesavage taking the mound against veteran right-hander Sonny Gray.
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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 12:16 PM.