Blue Jays avoid the worst case scenario with Addison Barger's latest IL stint

"Manager John Schneider told reporters on Monday that the Blue Jays outfielder will have a much shorter stay on the injured list than originally feared. Schneider said the tests on Barger's elbow revealed no ligament issue or bone chips in his elbow, coming off a game in which he threw a ball 101.2 mph from right field to home plate."

"He remained in that game after that throw, but then woke up the next day with limited motion in his right arm. He was held out of the lineup and team officials said he would undergo further tests. The main concern was that he could be in line, possibly, for Tommy John surgery, a procedure that is normally done on pitchers that keeps them out of action for at least a year."

"No ligament issue or bone chips in Barger's elbow, Schneider said. It's a joint issue that the #BlueJays hope will keep Barger out for a shorter IL stay.- Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) May 11, 2026"

"With the positive news on the elbow, the Blue Jays are hoping just some rest and minor rehabilitation will do the trick. It's reminiscent of when Blue Jays legend José Bautista was injured following a throw from right field, trying to throw out Delmon Young at first base. Although, Bautista's throw was much more ill-advised, coming in the eighth inning in which the Blue Jays were already ahead 13-6. Barger's throw came in the second inning of a scoreless game to cut down what could have been the go-ahead run."

Addison Barger’s elbow tests showed no ligament issue or bone chips, reducing concern about a potential Tommy John surgery. He threw a ball at 101.2 mph from right field to home plate, stayed in the game, and then woke up with limited motion in his right arm the next day. He was held out of the lineup while further tests were conducted. The injury is described as a joint issue, and the Blue Jays expect rest and minor rehabilitation to be sufficient. Barger previously returned from a month-long injured list after ankle injuries, and his strong throw came during a scoreless game in the second inning.

Read at Jays Journal