Blue Jays – Misryoum reports Toronto expects to activate Barger Saturday after an ankle sprain, while Jose Berrios heads for a specialist visit.
A key roster decision is on the horizon for the Toronto Blue Jays, with the club expecting to activate utility player Barger as early as Saturday.
Misryoum understands manager John Schneider indicated Barger is traveling to rejoin the organization and should be back when the schedule allows.. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since April 7 with a left ankle sprain. an issue he first noticed while trying to beat out an infield hit in a game against the Chicago White Sox.. At the time, the initial diagnosis pointed to discomfort in both ankles.
That timeline matters because it shapes the Blue Jays’ short-term lineup flexibility. A healthy Barger provides depth that can swing at-bats and defensive matchups, especially when the team is still working out how to balance bodies on the active roster.
Before the injury. Barger had struggled to get consistent production at the plate. collecting just one hit alongside three walks across 23 plate appearances.. The hope now is that his rehab has turned the corner.. Earlier this year. Barger had broken out in 2025 with 21 home runs. 74 RBIs and an .756 OPS. then carried that momentum into Toronto’s World Series run. including a pinch-hit grand slam in Game 1.. In his rehab action with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays. he also showed signs of form with two home runs across three outings.
Schneider also noted that the team has not finalized which player will be optioned or sent down to create space for Barger’s return. That detail could be particularly important if the Blue Jays are juggling short-term needs with longer-term roster planning.
Meanwhile, attention also remains on Jose Berrios. The right-hander is scheduled to see Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday for an in-person evaluation after dealing with inflammation in his throwing arm. Berrios previously underwent an MRI after feeling discomfort following his most recent Triple-A start.
In his latest rehab work with the Buffalo Bisons, Berrios posted a rough outing, allowing seven runs over 3.2 innings and giving up a grand slam. It marked his second straight subpar start at Triple-A, after an earlier appearance in which he allowed five earned runs and two home runs.
At the end of the day. Misryoum sees these next medical and roster steps as turning points for Toronto’s stability.. Whether Barger returns to provide immediate depth or Berrios’ evaluation clarifies his availability. the decisions coming in the next few days will likely influence both on-field decisions and the club’s confidence moving forward.
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