Blue Jays' John Schneider Announces Addison Barger News Before Angels Game
The Toronto Blue Jays season has seen multiple key position players hit the injured list in April due to injury. As a result, the team has stumbled to an 8-13 record, sitting in last place in the American League East just months removed from winning the division.
One player Toronto hopes to insert back into the lineup soon is left-handed slugger Addison Barger. The 26-year-old right fielder injured both of his ankles while running out a ground ball during a game against the Chicago White Sox.
He ultimately was placed on the IL with a left ankle sprain. Barger had struggled to begin the year, yet he clearly has the ability to perform at a much higher level.
In 2025, Barger broke out during the regular season and helped Toronto make a deep run in October all the way to the World Series.
Throughout 135 games in his first full big-league season, Barger posted a .243 batting average, .301 on-base percentage, .756 OPS, 21 home runs and 74 RBIs. Barger also has a cannon of an arm in the outfield, making him a plus all-around player.
As the Blue Jays await his return, Barger has officially resumed baseball activities, hitting and fielding. Yet his biggest hurdle had been running. Given the nature of an ankle injury, it was the final step.
Fortunately, ahead of Monday's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced that Barger had surpassed that step. "Addison Barger will start running tomorrow," reported Hazel Mae of Sportsnet.
If Barger is able to run without discomfort, the next step would likely be a rehab assignment before returning to a lineup that desperately needs his production.
Yimi Garcia is throwing live BP to hitters for first time Wednesday.
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) April 20, 2026
George Springer is throwing more today, will hit again and move around.
He'll do some "Dynamic warmup and mobility stuff" per John Schneider
Addison Barger will start running tomorrow
The Blue Jays also do not have designated hitter George Springer, who broke his left toe, and catcher Alejandro Kirk, who suffered a fracture to his left thumb.
Toronto needs reinforcements, and getting Barger back on the field would be a meaningful first step toward stabilizing a roster that has been stretched thin throughout April.
Related: Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho Shares Injury Update Before Angels Game
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 10:00 PM.