Blue Jays injury news: Barger's surgery, Garcia shut down, Sanchez return imminent

With the final days of July upon us, the Toronto Blue Jays have a handful of new injury updates regarding some of their sidelined players. Starting with outfielder Addison Barger, who had elbow surgery on July 27, and a new recovery timeline has been provided for the 26-year-old.

While speaking to reporters, including Hazel Mae, Blue Jays manager John Schneider shared that Barger's surgery was only a repair rather than a full reconstruction. In addition, Schneider announced that Barger is expected to be out roughly six months, which would make him good to go for spring training next year.

While it is still rough that Barger's season is over, it is also encouraging to hear that he is expected to be ready to return once spring training rolls around. He is an important part of the Blue Jays' future, so they need him to be back to full health once we get to next season.

Barger was limited to only nine games this season, where we went 1-for-22 at the plate. In 135 games with the Blue Jays in 2025, he had 21 home runs, 74 RBI, and a .243 batting average.

Blue Jays get bad news about Yimi Garcia

While the Blue Jays got the best-case scenario with Barger's surgery, they received some bad news when it comes to pitcher Yimi Garcia.

While speaking to reporters, including MLB.com's Ian Nicholas Quillen, Schneider shared that Garcia has been shut down after pitching one rehab inning with Single-A Dunedin over the weekend. In addition, Schneider shared that Garcia will be getting checked for possible thoracic outlet syndrome.

"Kind of had more symptoms, kind of neck nerve, after throwing, so we're going to shut him down,” Schneider said about Garcia. “He's going to go see another specialist, I think, for their possible thoracic outlet [syndrome].”

This is a tough blow for Garcia, as he has been working hard to return to the Blue Jays and keeps experiencing setbacks. The 6-foot-1 righty has yet to pitch at the major league level this season. In 22 appearances last season for Toronto, he had a 1-2 record and a 3.86 ERA.

Switching to more positive news, Jesús Sánchez is another step closer to making his return to the Blue Jays.

The 28-year-old outfielder has moved up to Triple-A Buffalo as he continues his rehab assignment. Schneider also shared that Sánchez could return for the Blue Jays as soon as this weekend for their series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Once Sánchez is officially able to return for the Blue Jays, he will be looking to build on his solid season. In 73 games this campaign with Toronto, he has seven home runs, 29 RBI, and a .274 batting average. He has been out since early June due to an ankle sprain.

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