The Toronto Blue Jays will get a huge boost to their lineup and morale when outfielder Addison Barger returns to the team this week, but there is no obvious candidate to be demoted to make room on the roster.
Barger injured both of his ankles while trying to leg out a base hit on Apr. 5. Toronto purchased the contract of utilityman Tyler Fitzgerald from the San Francisco Giants the day prior, who was traded to the L.A. Dodgers a few weeks later without appearing in a game.
The Blue Jays have several candidates for several reasons to get sent down
The Blue Jays traded for infielder Lenyn Sosa on Apr. 13, and he’s gotten the chance to contribute. He’s appeared in 15 games and has hit .255 with three doubles, a home run, six RBI, and a .633 OPS. Those numbers looked better before a 1-for-10 stretch over the last three games. The 26-year-old has appeared in games at second base, first base, designated hitter, and as a pinch hitter. He offers the kind of positional flexibility this team values with an aggressive approach at the plate that fits well with the rest of the lineup.
Shortly after it was revealed that he had been experiencing vertigo symptoms, and just as he was on a heater, Nathan Lukes was placed on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain on Apr. 24. Yohendrick Piñango was called up from Triple-A Buffalo and has looked comfortable in his first several major-league appearances.
Toronto’s No. 10-ranked prospect, acquired in the Nate Pearson trade with the Chicago Cubs in the summer of 2024, has 10 hits in his first 25 at-bats (.400) and four RBI through his first nine games in the big leagues. He has not looked overwhelmed or overmatched in his first two dozen-plus plate appearances and has flashed lightning-quick bat speed and an MLB-ready physique.
Lukes’ injury also opened the door for more playing time for Davis Schneider and Myles Straw. Schneider has not been able to take advantage of the opportunity, as he recently snapped a 0-for-24 slump with a two-run double in Toronto’s 11-4 win over the Minnesota Twins on May 2. The 27-year-old has established himself as a fan favorite since his eye-popping debut in the summer of 2023, but could benefit from finding his rhythm in the minors, as he spent time in Triple-A in 2024 and ‘25 and re-emerged as a consistent contributor.
"I can't think of anything that would suggest the 'page has turned' from last season more than sending Davis Schneider to Triple-A."@SNJeffBlair and Kevin Barker discuss the Blue Jays' looming decision of who to send down when Addison Barger is activated. pic.twitter.com/C4oo3fBPEu
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) May 7, 2026
Straw has been steady all season and hasn’t had his batting average dip below .277 in limited plate appearances (67). Known throughout his career as a glove-first outfielder with limited power, the 31-year-old has flashed some pop over the past three weeks, hitting .293 (12-for-41) with two doubles, two homers, and four RBI over his last 17 games.
Not only do Straw’s defensive abilities make him an unlikely Triple-A candidate, but he’s also the only player among Sosa, Schneider, and Piñango without minor-league options, meaning he would need to clear waivers to remain with the organization. Straw’s speed, defense, timely hitting, and leadership are too valuable to take that risk.