Blue Jays Keep Door Open For Addison Barger Injury Replacement

The Toronto Blue Jays activated outfielder Addison Barger on Saturday after more than a month on the injured list with an ankle injury. Barger drew two walks, scored a run in three at-bats and made a standout defensive play in the outfield during the team's 14-run victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

480 batting average with 12 hits and a home run in 25 at-bats. His performance this season had been less productive before the initial injury. The corresponding move to Barger's activation was the optioning of another outfielder to Triple-A Buffalo.

The manager said the decision to option the outfielder came down to evaluating playing time opportunities for him and other players on the roster. "We’re just looking at the runway for him and the runway for others and it didn’t really match up,'' the manager said.

The manager added that the outfielder could return to the major-league roster at some point after showing well during his brief time in the majors.

Barger was removed from the lineup on Sunday due to right elbow soreness after making a notable throw from the outfield the previous day. Reports indicated he had a large ice wrap on his right elbow following the Saturday game. The Blue Jays started three other outfielders on Sunday as they evaluate the extent of the injury.

The team had seen an offensive breakout in the Saturday contest. Questions remain about how long Barger might be sidelined and whether the previously optioned outfielder could be recalled in response.