The Toronto Blue Jays provided an injury update on outfielder Addison Barger, who went down on an awkward play at first on Sunday, April 6, in a matchup against the Chicago White Sox. Barger is dealing with “bilateral ankle discomfort,” the team announced. Yep, the outfielder injured both ankles on the same play.
Manager John Schneider told reporters, including Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, that Barger could return during the upcoming World Series rematch against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “We’ll see how he is [Monday],” Schneider said. “He’s about as tough as they come. Hopefully, he’s all right, and it’s just a day or two, or maybe not even a day.”
The incident in question occurred in the 3rd inning of a 3-0 loss to the White Sox. A two-out walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. loaded the bases for Barger. He chopped a groundball up the middle, fielded by shortstop Tanner Murray. The infielder whirled and fired to first base, narrowly nabbing Barger on a close play. As he tried to beat the throw, Barger lunged for the bag and landed awkwardly. He stumbled through the base and came up lame. Barger was ultimately replaced by Jesus Sanchez.
Toronto Blue Jays News Update: Addison Barger Dealing With Pain in Both Ankles
Barger initially stayed in the game after the incident at first base. He took his typical spot in right field, where he remained for the next few innings. Barger flew out to center field in the 6th inning. Sanchez replaced him defensively following that at-bat. He grounded out to second in his lone plate appearance.
It’s yet another health concern for a Blue Jays squad that has been bitten hard by the injury bug so far this season. The club lost Bowden Francis to Tommy John surgery. Shane Bieber is dealing with a forearm issue. Jose Berrios is down with a fractured elbow. Trey Yesavage opened the season on the injured list with a shoulder impingement. All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk broke his thumb last week. Cody Ponce sprained his ACL in his first start of the season.
Sunday’s defeat at the hands of the lowly White Sox completed a three-game sweep. Toronto has now lost four straight games. Since sweeping the Athletics in the first series of the year, the Blue Jays have dropped five of six contests.
Barger Injury Could Open the Door for Tyler Fitzgerald
If Barger is forced to miss time, the playing time beneficiary could be recent acquisition Tyler Fitzgerald. The utilityman was acquired from the San Francisco Giants for cash considerations. Fitzgerald was sent to Triple-A after joining the organization, but is on the 40-man roster. It would be easy to call him up if Barger lands on the injured list. Fitzgerald has ample experience in the infield and outfield.
The in-house options to replace Barger include Davis Schneider, Nathan Lukes, and Myles Straw. Schneider is already a candidate for right field reps when the Blue Jays face a left-handed starter. Lukes has mixed in with Sanchez in the outfield.
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