Addison Barger, the Toronto Blue Jays outfielder who broke out with 21 home runs in 2025, has suffered a stress fracture in his back and will be shut down from all baseball activities for a few weeks, manager John Schneider announced.
Barger's 2026 season marred by injuries
The latest setback comes after Barger missed significant time earlier this season with ankle and elbow injuries, limiting him to just nine games in 2026. Even when healthy, Barger struggled at the plate, recording only one double in 22 at-bats with seven strikeouts. His last hit was a double on April 3 against the Chicago White Sox.
"It's tough for him," Schneider said. "He worked hard to get back, and now this. We'll give him time to recover."
Blue Jays desperate for power
Toronto entered a three-game series against the New York Mets having lost six straight games, with a 1-6 record during their 10-game homestand. The team ranks near the bottom of MLB in home runs, with only Kazuma Okamoto reaching double figures (19 homers entering Monday). Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had more stolen bases (six) than home runs (four) as of Monday.
Nathan Lukes has taken over in right field in Barger's absence and provided a rare bright spot with a two-run homer in Sunday's loss to the Texas Rangers, accounting for all of Toronto's runs in that game.
Injury not considered long term
Schneider indicated that the stress fracture is not expected to be a long-term issue, but Barger will be sidelined for several weeks. The team hopes he can return later in the season, though his repeated injuries raise concerns about his durability.
"When he's healthy and in a groove, he's a middle-of-the-order bat," Schneider said. "We just need to get him right."
