The Toronto Blue Jays have had a rough start to their 2026 MLB season. To say that they are a “little banged up” is a gross exaggeration. Another injury was sustained in their latest loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks: Daulton Varsho. He joins the likes of Addison Barger, Alexander Kirk, George Springer, and Anthony Santander. However, the Blue Jays have recently brought in new bodies, such as Lenyn Sosa, Tomoya Kinjo, and Adam Hackenberg.
As the losses mount, Toronto is losing ground on the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Baltimore Orioles.
In addition to their newest signing, there are injury updates in regard to Varsho, Springer, and Barger
Toronto Blue Jays Sign Adam Hackenberg
On the same day as Jackie Robinson Day, the Blue Jays added the aforementioned Hackenberg. According to their transaction page, they agreed to a minor-league contract.
Hackenberg is a 26-year-old catcher who bats and throws right-handed. He has spent his baseball career in the Chicago White Sox system until being released this past March.
In 63 AA and AAA minor league games in 2025, Hackenberg recorded three home runs, 22 RBIs, 45 hits, 11 doubles, and four stolen bases.
Hackenberg’s ‘Raw Power’ And Defensive Abilities
Although he was recently released by the White Sox, he was once one of their top 30 prospects. Baseball America listed him as their 29th-best prospect in 2023.
His scouting report from that time is a mixed bag, but it offers some great value.
“Hackenberg is a defense-first catcher. Offensively, he needs to improve his approach to get more of a line drive stroke to go along with his plus raw power,” the report reads. “It’s a slow bat and a stiffer swing with effort, which often causes him to mishit balls. He’s consistently graded as the best defensive catcher in the system, and moves easily behind the plate.”
“He’s an aggressive framer with solid leadership skills who is overall an above-average defensive catcher now, who could become a plus defender in the future.”
Sadly, teams can’t power-hit their way to championships. Players of different roles and skill-sets are needed, and it never hurts to have an above-average catcher who still has some hitting potential to explore. The 6-foot-1 Hackenberg appears to be a worthwhile gamble for the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays Lose Daulton Varsho During Arizona Diamondbacks Game
During Friday night’s game against the Diamondbacks, Varsho left because of an injury. Toronto shared the news on social media.
“UPDATE: OF Daulton Varsho was removed from tonight’s game with left knee discomfort,” the team posted on X.
Late on April 17th, Mitch Bannon offered a new report on Varsho’s status.
“The outfielder is day to day, manager John Schneider said postgame,” Bannon reported. “Varsho swung at two pitches in his first-inning at-bat, showing no signs of discomfort after either. He played two balls in the bottom of the second, corralling a line drive and fielding a single. Those defensive plays were his last before leaving Friday’s contest.”
Addison Barger & George Springer Return Timeline
In the same report, Bannon offered some insight into when a few other bats could return to game action.
“The Jays, who lost Anthony Santander to shoulder surgery ahead of spring training, have since placed George Springer (toe), Addison Barger (ankles), and Alejandro Kirk (thumb) on the IL,” the report states. “Barger and Springer won’t likely be out long term, but are still at least a week away from rejoining the club.”
Either way, when these players come back, it will be a breath of fresh air.
Blue Jays Sign New ‘Raw Power’ Bat as George Springer & Addison Barger Return Looms