The Toronto Blue Jays won’t have Addison Barger in the lineup in Sunday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Angels.
Toronto activated Barger off the injured list on Saturday as he returned to the lineup and made a key play in the field, throwing a runner out at home. However, ahead of Sunday’s game, Toronto revealed Barger is scratched due to an injury, after originally being set to lead off and play right field.
“RF Addison Barger has been removed from today’s lineup with right elbow soreness,” the Blue Jays announced on X.
The updated Blue Jays lineup on Sunday is as follows:
- E. Clement 2B
- D. Varsho CF
- V. Guerrero Jr. DH
- K. Okamoto 3B
- J. Sánchez RF
- L. Sosa 1B
- A. Giménez SS
- M. Straw LF
- T. Heineman C
The change is Jesus Sanchez shifting from left to right field, and Myles Straw entering the lineup and starting at right field.
Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson of MLB.com revealed that Barger was seen with a big ice wrap on his elbow after Saturday’s game.
“When Addison Barger came out to speak with the media last night, he had a big ice wrap on his right elbow like you’d typically see for a pitcher. We’ll know more post-game when we speak with John Schneider,” Matheson wrote on X.
Barger went 0-for-3 with 2 walks and a run.
Barger Details Throw Out
In the second inning, with runners on the corners and 1 out, Barger caught a fly ball from Vaughn Grissom and threw out Jorge Soler at home.
Barger threw the ball 101.2 mph from right field to get Soler out in a solid play.
“I was pretty happy. It’s so much fun. Throwing the ball from the outfield is one of my favorite parts of the game,” Barger said. “Any time I get the chance, I’m really excited.”
Trey Yesavage, who started the game for the Blue Jays, said he knew Soler was going to be out right when the ball left Barger’s hand.
“As soon as it left his hand, I knew it was on line,” Yesavage said. “It was just a matter of whether it was going to beat him. It was a laser beam. That was really cool.”
The play ended the inning, and Toronto had an offensive outburst for a 14-1 win over the Angels. Toronto will look to sweep the Angels on Sunday afternoon with first pitch set for 1:37 p.m. ET.
Blue Jays Fans React to Lineup Change
Toronto had to make a change to its lineup due to Barger being scratched.
Following the move, some Blue Jays fans are worried Barger could end up back on the IL.
“This is prolly more precautionary. We know how important he is to the lineup and we can’t have him hurt again,” a fan wrote.
“we literally can’t have one day without a new injury,” a fan added.
“If this isn’t just precautionary, I’m gonna be broken,” a fan wrote.
“That elbow had to pay a price for that 101mph throw to home,” a fan added.
The Blue Jays are 18-21.
Blue Jays Make Announcement on Addison Barger Ahead of Angels Series Finale