The Toronto Blue Jays' injury woes continue to mount, as promising outfielder Addison Barger has been placed back on the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation—just one game after returning from a month-long stint on the shelf.
Barger's latest setback came ahead of Monday's series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre. The move is retroactive to May 10, and it's the second time this season the 24-year-old has landed on the IL. He previously missed time from April 6 to May 8 with a left ankle sprain.
In his sole game back—a Saturday matchup against the Los Angeles Angels—Barger went 0-for-3 with two walks and a run scored. But it was his defensive highlight that turned heads: a 101.2-mph laser from right field to home plate to cut down a runner. Unfortunately, that explosive throw may have also contributed to his elbow issue.
According to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling, Barger received a cortisone shot in the elbow and will be shut down from baseball activities for three to four days. The good news? Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed that MRIs showed no structural damage, and the team is optimistic this will be a shorter absence.
To fill the roster spot, Toronto recalled outfielder Yohendrick Piñango from Triple-A. The Blue Jays will be hoping Barger can heal quickly and return to provide depth in an outfield that's already been tested by injuries this season.
For fans tracking Barger's journey, this is a frustrating but hopefully brief detour. The young outfielder has shown flashes of the arm strength and plate discipline that made him a top prospect—now it's about getting him back on the field and keeping him there.