Addison Barger’s tough start to the 2026 MLB regular season has taken another hit.

A day after returning from the 10-day injured list to the Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup, the 26-year-old was removed from Sunday’s lineup in the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels with right elbow soreness. Barger landed on the IL in early April with a bilateral ankle sprain.

Barger stole the show early on Saturday in the field during the Blue Jays’ 14-1 win over the Angels. With Jorge Soler on third base with one out, Vaughn Grissom roped a line drive to right field. Barger circled under the ball before unleashing a cannon to catcher Brandon Valenzuela for the double play, helping right-hander Trey Yesavage escape the jam. Barger’s throw clocked in at 101.2 MPH, the hardest throw clocked from an outfield in MLB this season, highlighting the strength and raw tools he possesses.

In Barger’s return, he went 0-for-3 with two walks and a run scored before being removed in the bottom of the eighth inning for pinch-hitter Myles Straw. Through nine games this season, Barger is batting .045 with two RBIs across his first 22 at-bats.

Barger was originally injured on April 4 during a 6-3 loss against the Chicago White Sox, and in his absence, the Blue Jays went 13-17, showcasing that the lineup really missed his power threat. The Blue Jays’ lineup ranks 21st in home runs with 37, and 25th in total runs scored with 163 across their first 39 games.

After batting .243 with 21 home runs last season, the third most on the Blue Jays, many were hoping that Barger could bring his game to another level as he continues to get more comfortable at the big-league level.

Barger was originally listed in the leadoff spot on Sunday with Angels right-hander José Soriano getting the start. While no other diagnosis has been given, the Blue Jays are certainly hopeful that Barger will be able to return to the lineup on Monday when right-hander Drew Rasmussen gets the start for Tampa Bay in the series opener.

Straw replaced Barger in the lineup today and is batting eighth.

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