Blue Jays' John Schneider Announces Addison Barger Update Before Marlins Game

The Toronto Blue Jays' plan for Addison Barger in 2026 has not gone remotely according to script. Coming off the best season of his career, the 26-year-old was expected to be a fixture in Toronto's lineup. Instead, he has spent the majority of the season on the injured list.

Barger's year started going sideways on April 5. He landed awkwardly at first base while trying to beat out a grounder against the Chicago White Sox, injuring both ankles on the same play.

When he finally returned on May 10, the expectation was that Toronto was getting back one of its most important bats. That lasted less than two days.

Barger was scratched the following game before being placed back on the injured list with right elbow inflammation. He has now missed 14 straight games during this latest absence.

As the club anticipates his return, manager John Schneider provided a not-so-encouraging update. Per Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith, Schneider said ahead of Monday's opener against the Miami Marlins that Barger is "probably still a couple days away from starting throwing, adding that "it's been a little slower with him."

Addison Barger is "probably still a couple days away from starting throwing" per manager John Schneider. "It's been a little slower with him."

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) May 25, 2026

That is a disappointing development for a Blue Jays team already dealing with injuries across the roster. Barger emerged as a key offensive piece in 2025, hitting .243 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs across 135 games while becoming one of Toronto's most dangerous left-handed hitters. He elevated his performance during the postseason, batting .367 with three home runs and nine RBIs during the Blue Jays' run to the World Series.

Toronto's 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday also brought fresh concerns. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited after being hit on the right elbow by a pitch, while Dylan Cease left with mild left hamstring discomfort. The defeat snapped the Blue Jays' four-game winning streak and dropped them to 25-28, third in the AL East.

The Blue Jays will look to bounce back when they return to action against the Marlins at Rogers Centre.

Related: Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Sends Message After Injury News

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 5:55 PM.