The Toronto Blue Jays have had an unlucky start to the 2026 season — injuries to both pitching and positional players left them dropping six games in a row this past week.
After snapping the losing streak by beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 in the last game of the series, the Blue Jays are looking for some good news on the injury side of the game as well.
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Third baseman Addison Barger went on the 10-day IL with a left-ankle sprain to start the week, a major blow as Toronto attempts to repeat its 2025 success. Barger injured both ankles while running out a ground ball this past Sunday during a game against the Chicago White Sox.
Ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Minnesota Twins, Blue Jays manager John Schneider had an update on Barger’s status. Schneider said that Barger is making progress in his recovery, but will remain sidelined through at least Monday without participating in baseball activities (h/t Arden Zwelling of Blue Jays on Sportsnet).
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Barger’s absence has been a huge blow to the Jays’ offense as it has been struggling to put points on the board. Across their last 10, the Blue Jays have gone 3-7 and been outscored 54 to 27, severely lacking in the offensive department.
“Obviously, it’s very early. It’s not the most ideal start that you would want, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to keep going,” teammate George Springer told Sportsbet’s Kristina Rutherford. “And I think ultimately what I’ve said is, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” And you just have to weather the storm, you have to ride it out, you have to stick to your processes.”
In 2025, the 26-year-old ranked fifth on the team in runs scored, fifth in RBIs and third in home runs. His contributions helped power the Blue Jays to their first American League East title in 10 years and their first World Series appearance since 1993.
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Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Addison Barger (47)Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
In place of Barger has been Ernie Clement who both play behind newly signed Kazuma Okamoto. Clement is batting .271 with 13 hits, two runs scored and three RBIs while Okamoto is batting .239 with two home runs and three RBIs. In the first game of the series against the Minnesota Twins, Okamoto will get the start.
Barger has appeared in eight games so far this season for the Jays and has struggled to return to his breakout 2025 form. He has posted a .053 batting average with one hit, one run and two RBIs before exiting this past Sunday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
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After the series against the Twins, Toronto will make the short trip to Milwaukee to play a three-game set against the Brewers, kicking off a two-week long road trip.
Related: Blue Jays Player in Tears After Loss to White Sox
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.