Blue Jays’ Addison Barger back on injured list after just 1 game back from ankle injury

The Toronto Blue Jays likely didn’t anticipate being in third place in the AL East a few days into May. 2025’s AL East champions are 18-22, capturing the first two games of their most recent series against the Los Angeles Angels before dropping Sunday’s series finale 6-1. Ahead of Sunday’s loss, the Blue Jays finally welcomed utilityman Addison Barger back from an ankle injury. Yet, after just one game, Barger is heading back to the IL. Per team beat reporter Keegan Matheson on X, formerly Twitter, Barger is now dealing with right elbow inflammation.

“Addison Barger has been placed on the 10-day IL with right elbow inflammation, retroactive to May 10,” reported Matheson. “Yohendrick Piñango is back up to take his spot.”

Losing Barger once again is a tough blow to the Blue Jays lineup. Fellow outfielder Nathan Lukes and starting catcher Alejandro Kirk are also on the shelf with injuries of their own. While Piñango has a few games of experience with the big-league club, Barger’s breakthrough 2025 campaign was a big boost to Toronto’s lineup. Now, with the utilityman out once again, can Piñango step up?

If not, the Blue Jays’ chances at making up ground on both the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees become at least a little bit tougher. Veteran George Springer is much better suited to the designated hitter at this point in his career. Daulton Varsho and Jesus Sanchez are each having a decent start to the season. Myles Straw and Davis Schneider will also provide depth alongside Piñango. Yet, after all the moves Toronto made this offseason, not bringing another big bat might come back to haunt them. Will Barger return to the field sooner rather than later? If this injury leads to an even longer stint on the IL, Barger’s breakthrough 2025 might become a distant memory.

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