Blue Jays Activate Barger as Injury Updates Put Roster in Flux
The Blue Jays activated Addison Barger from the 10-day IL and optioned Yohendrick Pinango after a brief, productive audition, with Barger returning to mostly right field while Kazuma Okamoto remains at third. Pinango could earn another look in 2026. On the injury front, Alejandro Kirk is throwing again after thumb surgery and Nathan Lukes is running drills after a hamstring strain. Pitching updates include Shane Bieber set to throw a live bullpen and Yimi Garcia beginning a minor-league rehab. Jose Berrios’ elbow MRI shows inflammation and changes to a prior stress fracture, delaying his return, while Max Scherzer is on the 15-day IL with left ankle inflammation and forearm tendinitis, with a possible late-May return if progress continues.