Blue Jays' Barger Back on IL with Elbow Inflammation

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger returned to the 10-day injured list Monday with right elbow inflammation, just one day after coming back from a 29-game absence due to a sprained left ankle, as the team prepared for a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre.

The move was retroactive to Sunday. Manager John Schneider said Sunday that Barger woke up with limited range of motion in his elbow following a strong throw from right field during Saturday's 14-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Barger, 26, had been reinstated from the injured list Saturday after missing time since April 5 with sprains in both ankles. He went 1 for 19 in eight early-season games after hitting 21 home runs with 74 RBIs in 135 games last season and batting .367 with three homers and nine RBIs in 17 postseason contests. Since his 2024 major league debut, Barger owns a .224 average with 28 homers and 104 RBIs in 212 games.

In a related move, the Blue Jays designated left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer for assignment after he fell to 1-5 with a 6.69 ERA. Lauer allowed six earned runs in Sunday's 6-1 loss to the Angels. To fill the roster spots, Toronto recalled outfielder...