Addison Barger, an infielder and outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to elbow surgery. The news was announced on Friday, following a season marked by injuries for Barger and the team.
Barger’s 2026 season has been significantly impacted by health issues. He played in eight games earlier this year before a left ankle sprain sidelined him. After being activated from the injured list in May, he appeared in one additional game. During this game, he made a strong throw from the outfield, which was followed two days later by his placement back on the injured list due to elbow inflammation. It is not confirmed if the injury occurred during that specific throw, as he remained in the game afterward.
Barger’s Season and Team Impact
The decision for Barger to undergo season-ending elbow surgery means he will spend the rest of the year in rehabilitation. The specific type of surgery, whether Tommy John surgery or an internal brace alternative, has not yet been determined. Tommy John surgery typically involves an estimated recovery period of nine months, while the internal brace alternative has an estimated recovery time of six months. This injury could potentially affect his availability for part of the 2027 season.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider commented on the loss, stating, “It’s tough to lose the whole year of at-bats, reps and performance. We were counting on him to be a big part of our team. You can see how much we miss him, for sure.” Barger had been on the 60-day injured list and will remain there through the end of the season.
Barger’s limited appearances this season saw him register a double and two RBIs. Last year, he played a significant role in the club’s World Series run, hitting 21 home runs and three more in the postseason. Hopes were high for his contribution in 2026, but injuries have largely kept him off the field.
Team’s Injury Woes and Roster Adjustments
The Blue Jays have faced numerous injuries across their starting rotation, bullpen, and position player groups throughout the 2026 season. In addition to Barger, Anthony Santander is also expected to miss the entire year due to injuries. Santander, who signed a long-term free agent contract with the Blue Jays before the 2025 season, played in 54 games this season, hitting five doubles and six home runs with 18 RBIs.
With Barger out, Kazuma Okamoto is expected to be the regular at third base. The outfield situation is more fluid, with players such as Daulton Varsho, Nathan Lukes, George Springer, Yohendrick Piñango, Davis Schneider, and Myles Straw currently on the roster. Jesús Sánchez is on the injured list but recently started a rehabilitation assignment. Santander could potentially return late in the year if he recovers from shoulder surgery, though his return is not guaranteed. Jonatan Clase and Lenyn Sosa are also on the injured list.
The Blue Jays entered Friday in fifth place in the American League East with a 47-56 record, 12.5 games behind the division leader. The team may consider making trades before the August 3 deadline. Varsho and Springer are impending free agents. Straw’s deal includes a club option for next year with a buyout. Sánchez is under club control through 2027, and the team may listen to offers for him. Lukes is also under club control for four more years.
The hope is for Barger to return by Opening Day 2027, with the team’s composition around him depending on upcoming trades and offseason moves.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
