The Toronto Blue Jays have provided an update on infielder/outfielder Addison Barger, confirming he is expected to resume baseball activities this winter following elbow surgery.
Manager John Schneider told reporters that the procedure was a repair rather than a full reconstruction, significantly shortening the recovery period.
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"It was just a repair, so that's good news," Schneider said before a series opener against the Washington Nationals.
"It wasn't a full reconstruction, so that's like roughly six months."
Barger appeared in nine games last season, collecting one hit.
The elbow issue had bothered him for a couple of years and worsened after he made a 100-plus mph throw from right field to home plate in early May.
The team initially feared Barger might miss an entire calendar year, but the repair procedure reduced the expected absence to about half that time.
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Other Injury Updates
Schneider also addressed the status of reliever Yimi Garcia, who has yet to pitch this season due to neck and nerve issues.
Garcia will be shut down and is scheduled to see another specialist.
"The club's right-hander reliever who would have been used in leverage will be shut down," Schneider said.
The Blue Jays continue to evaluate uncertainties surrounding several players, including Anthony Santander and starting pitchers.
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Outfielder Jesus Sanchez, sidelined with an ankle injury, is expected to rejoin the team later this week after completing his minor-league rehab assignment.
