"As expected, Addison Barger was activated from the Blue Jays' 10-day injured list today. The team announced that outfielder Yohendrick Pinango was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo in the corresponding move. The 2026 season has essentially been a wash for Barger to date, between his five weeks on the IL and his ice-cold start at the plate. Barger had only one hit and three walks in his first 23 plate appearances, resulting in an ugly .053/.174/.105 slash line."
"He hasn't played since April 5, when he hurt both ankles while trying to beat out a grounder to first base. What was initially termed as "bilateral ankle discomfort" was officially designated as a left ankle sprain when Barger was placed on the injured list. Barger returns looking to get his season on track, and to ideally return to the form that make him a breakout player during the 2025 regular season and especially during Toronto's postseason run."
"With Kazuma Okamoto now firmly entrenching himself as the everyday third baseman, Barger will mostly be deployed in right field, though his ability to play third base in a pinch could be useful in late-game situations or if Okamoto is given a rest day or a DH day. Since Barger is a left-handed hitter who will be handling corner outfield duty, Pinango was a little redundant on the active roster, but manager John Schneider told Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling and other reporters that the team was impressed during Pinango's brief stay in the majors."
"Pinango hit .423/.444/.462 over his first 27 plate appearances as a big leaguer, and is very likely to get another look in Toronto at some point in 2026. Schneider provided more injury updates to the media (including The Athletic's Mitch Bannon) yesterday, with some positive news on some other position players. Alejandro Kirk is throwing and started swinging this week in the latest steps of his recovery from thumb surgery, and Nathan Lukes has started running drills as he recovers from a hamstring strain."
Addison Barger was activated from the Blue Jays’ 10-day injured list, and Yohendrick Pinango was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Barger’s 2026 season has been limited by time on the injured list and a slow start at the plate, producing one hit and three walks in his first 23 plate appearances. He last played April 5, when he injured both ankles while trying to beat out a grounder. The injury was later identified as a left ankle sprain. Barger returns aiming to regain form from his 2025 breakout season, with Kazuma Okamoto established at third base and Barger likely used in right field. Pinango hit .423/.444/.462 in his first 27 major-league plate appearances and is expected to get another opportunity in 2026. Alejandro Kirk began throwing and swinging after thumb surgery, and Nathan Lukes started running drills after a hamstring strain.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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