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Blue Jays notebook: John Schneider provides injury updates on marquee players
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Photo credit: © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
May 4, 2026, 19:00 EDTUpdated: May 4, 2026, 19:06 EDT
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Before Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, ‘Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider provided an update on the status of numerous injured Blue Jays.
George Springer remained out of the Blue Jays’ lineup for the second straight game after being hit by Minnesota Twins left-hander Connor Prielipp on the same toe he previously fractured. The designated hitter was removed in the top of the third inning.
In four games since coming off the injured list, the 35-year-old is 4-for-12 with one RBI. Springer will be available for Monday’s contest and will hopefully be available for tomorrow’s affair. 
Addison Barger, who went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a walk in his first rehab game, is likely set to be activated when the Blue Jays return home for the start of a six-game homestand on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels. Barring any setbacks, Barger has the chance to return to the roster on Wednesday for the final game against the Rays. 
The 26-year-old was off to a slow start before being placed on the IL. Through eight games, Barger is 1-for-19 with two RBIs. The return of Barger could further deepen a lineup that is at the moment struggling for consistent power threats. 
José Berríos has joined the Blue Jays in Tampa and will discuss next steps with Schneider, pitching coach Pete Walker, and the Blue Jays’ training staff. Berríos was hit hard once again in his fourth rehab start, posting a line of 3.2 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 1 K. After four minor league outings, Berríos has a record of 0-1, a 10.64 ERA and a WHIP of 1.81. 
Opponents have hit .322 off the 31-year-old, including six home runs over 14 ⅓ innings pitched. Berríos’ velocity has been noticeable down over his past two starts, but it should be noted that both times he toed the rubber, the temperatures hovered around 10 degrees Celsius. 
The Blue Jays are hopeful that catcher Alejandro Kirk can begin to swing a bat this week as he works his way back from a fracture in his left thumb. Kirk was injured on April 3 during a 5-4 loss against the Chicago White Sox. 
Kirk underwent successful surgery in early April and has begun throwing in Dunedin. Through five games this season, Kirk is batting .150 with one home run and two RBIs. The return of Kirk would further boost a Blue Jays’ lineup that has struggled to receive consistent production out of either catcher, including Tyler Heineman or Brandon Valenzuela. 
Blue Jays’ right-hander Yimi Garciá is set to appear in rehab games this week as he works his way back from right elbow surgery last September. Through 22 games last season, Garciá was 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. 
The 35-year-old is in the final year of the two-year, $15 million contract he signed with the Blue Jays prior to last season. A healthy Garciá will give Schneider another high-leverage weapon in to the Blue Jays bullpen, an area of strength so far in 2026.
Max Scherzer is feeling better but remains without a timeline as he works his way back from right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. The 41-year-old was placed on the 15-day IL on April 27 and will likely need a few rehab starts to ramp up before his return is considered. 
Through five starts this year, Scherzer is 1-3 with a 9.64 ERA and 1.61 WHIP. After re-upping with the Blue Jays on March 2 on a one-year, $3 million contract, the right-hander struggled to give the Blue Jays length as three of his starts failed to get through three innings. 
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