Addison Barger has officially returned from the injured list, and the Toronto Blue Jays have sent outfielder Yohendrick Pinango back to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for him.
Barger’s 2026 season hasn’t gone as planned. He struggled before his injury, recording just one hit and three walks in 23 plate appearances, yielding a poor .053 batting average. His troubles started on April 5, when he sprained his left ankle while running to first base.
Now, Barger hopes to regain his form from the previous season, where he shined both in the regular season and during the playoffs. With Kazuma Okamoto established as the primary third baseman, Barger will mostly play in right field. His ability to step in at third base will be helpful, especially if Okamoto needs a break.
Pinango showed promise during his brief major league stint, hitting .423 in 27 plate appearances. According to manager John Schneider, the team was impressed with his performance, and he may get another chance in the big leagues later this season.
In other injury updates, Alejandro Kirk has started swinging as part of his recovery from thumb surgery, and Nathan Lukes is back to running drills following a hamstring strain.
On the pitching side, Shane Bieber is set to throw a live bullpen session soon, while Yimi Garcia has begun a minor league rehab assignment after having surgery last September.
However, the news isn’t as bright for Jose Berrios. An MRI revealed elbow inflammation and changes to a previous stress fracture. Berrios will see a specialist soon, but it’s uncertain how this will impact his return.
Adding to the injury woes, Max Scherzer is on the 15-day injured list with ankle inflammation and forearm tendinitis. His ankle seems to be improving, but he will be sidelined for at least five more days as he receives treatment.
This season has tested the Blue Jays, but they have a mix of returning and recovering players aiming to turn things around. With Barger back, the team looks to regain momentum and build on last year’s successes.
In baseball, injuries can change a team’s fortunes, underscoring the importance of depth and resilience. The Blue Jays are hoping their players can get back into form and contribute to a strong 2026 season. For more on player injuries and recovery updates, check out MLB.com.
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addison barger,alejandro kirk,jose berrios,max scherzer,nathan lukes,shane bieber,yimi garcia,yohendrick pinango
