Blue Jays Injury Updates: Springer, Barger, Garcia Progress Toward Return

Blue Jays Provide Injury Updates on Springer, Garcia, and Barger Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider provided the latest injury updates on key players during a media session in Anaheim on Monday, April 20, 2026. The updates focused on the recovery progress of outfielder George Springer, infielder Addison Barger, and reliever Yimi García, all of whom are working their way back from injuries that sidelined them early in the 2026 season. George Springer, who broke his big toe on April 11 after being hit by a foul ball, has resumed baseball activities. Schneider confirmed that Springer is now throwing and hitting, including taking swings in the batting cage and hitting off a tee. Whereas running remains his biggest hurdle, Springer’s activation from the injured list could come as early as the beginning of the Blue Jays’ upcoming homestand, potentially around Friday, April 24. Springer was hitting .185/.290/.370 with two home runs and four doubles before the injury. Addison Barger, who suffered injuries to both ankles on April 5, is set to start running on Tuesday, April 21. Schneider noted that Barger has already been hitting, throwing, and fielding during his rehabilitation and described his progress as encouraging. Barger had just one hit in 23 plate appearances to start the season before his injury. Yimi García, the 35-year-old reliever who underwent season-ending surgery in September 2025, is scheduled to throw live batting practice to hitters on Wednesday, April 22. This marks his first live batting practice appearance since returning from the injured list. García spent most of the 2025 season on the IL but posted a 3.86 ERA over 21 innings when healthy. Schneider emphasized that all three players are continuing to work back to full health and are making steady progress in their respective rehab programs. Their returns would provide a significant boost to a Blue Jays team that has started the 2026 season with an 8-13 record through its first 21 games, a performance hampered by early-season injuries to several key contributors.