Toronto Blue Jays News

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Yimi García • RP • Blue Jays |

Paxton Schultz • SP • Blue Jays

Yimi Garcia, Paxton Schultz Progress to Bullpen Sessions

Toronto Blue Jays relievers Yimi Garcia (ankle) and Paxton Schultz (finger) threw bullpen sessions in Toronto on Friday, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith. Garcia returned from a shoulder injury that cost him over a month in early July but only made one appearance before spraining his ankle and going back on the 15-day injured list. The veteran right-hander has pitched to a 3.86 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and three saves in 21 innings. Schultz is currently on the 15-day IL with a finger issue and last pitched on June 28. The 27-year-old has thrown 23 2/23 innings for Toronto this season with a 4.56 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts. Since both Garcia and Schultz are back to throwing, it seems likely that neither will remain out much past the All-Star break.

7 hours ago

Ryan Burr • RP • Blue Jays

Ryan Burr Lands on 60-Day Injured List

The Toronto Blue Jays announced Friday that they placed right-hander Ryan Burr (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list with a strained rotator cuff. The team selected the contract of righty Tommy Nance in a corresponding move. This season may be lost for Burr, who won't be eligible to return until mid-September. That's assuming Burr doesn't suffer any setbacks in the meantime. The 31-year-old missed the first three months of the season with shoulder troubles and just returned July 6 to throw two scoreless innings over a pair of appearances.

7 hours ago

Bowden Francis • SP • Blue Jays

Bowden Francis to Throw Bullpen on Saturday

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session on Saturday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports. Francis is working back from a right-shoulder impingement that has sidelined him since June 15. Between the injury and his performance, this has been a rough season for Francis. The 29-year-old has made 14 starts for the Blue Jays and gone 2-8 with a 6.05 ERA, a 1.53 WHIP, and 54:27 K:BB over 64 innings. Francis is without a clear timetable for a return, and barring injuries, it seems unlikely Toronto will reinsert him into its rotation when he comes back.

8 hours ago

Andrés Giménez • 2B • Blue Jays

Andres Gimenez Week-to-Week with Ankle Injury

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez (ankle) is undergoing treatment on his ailing left ankle and remains "week-to-week," according to manager John Schneider. Gimenez has been on the 10-day injured list since July 5 with a sprain. The glove-first 26-year-old hit .218/.300/.322 with five homers, 23 RBI, 26 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 238 plate appearances before suffering the injury. The surging Jays have turned to a combination of Ernie Clement and Leo Jimenez at the keystone in Gimenez's absence.

8 hours ago

Alek Manoah • SP • Blue Jays

Alek Manoah Set to Begin Rehab Assignment on Monday

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment on Monday with Toronto's Florida Complex League affiliate. The 27-year-old is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and is expected to throw just a couple of innings in his first start. Look for the 6-foot-6 hurler to make five to six rehab starts before potentially rejoining the Blue Jays later in August. Manoah had a rough 2023 but was pitching well in 2024 before the injury, posting a 3.70 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 17.5 percent K-BB% (9.62 K/9). The team will need him to post similar or better results when he returns, as Toronto sits atop the American League East.

8 hours ago

Joey Loperfido • LF • Blue Jays

Joey Loperfido Scratched on Friday

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joey Loperfido (illness) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Athletics. Loperfido was planning to play through the illness, but ultimately has decided to take the night off. Myles Straw will take over in center field and bat ninth versus right-hander Luis Severino on Friday. Fantasy managers should consider Loperfido as day-to-day for now. Loperfido isn't someone that needs to be rostered right now, but he does have five hits over his last four games. Possibly, Loperfido becomes a deep league option, assuming he continues to hit well.

21 hours ago

Chris Bassitt • SP • Blue Jays

Chris Bassitt Ready For Relief Role If Need Be

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt said after Tuesday's 6-1 win over the White Sox that he would be ready to pitch out of the bullpen leading into the All-Star break if need be, per MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. Bassitt only threw 78 pitches in Tuesday's rain-shortened game. The 36-year-old said, "If a lot of [bullpen] guys are down, I can be up... My only goal I have is to win a World Series." The Blue Jays have won 10 games in a row and are now in first place in the American League East. Bassitt has been a serviceable fantasy starter once again this season, going 9-4 with a 4.16 ERA, a 1.36 WHIP, and an 8.75 K/9 rate in 19 starts and 106 IP. Fantasy managers may want to leave him in their lineup in the event that he does make a spot relief appearance in the coming days.

3 days ago

Chris Bassitt • SP • Blue Jays

Chris Bassitt Picks up Complete Game in Rain-Shortened Start

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt allowed four hits and one earned run in Tuesday's 6-1 road win against the Chicago White Sox. The veteran walked one, struck out one, and hit a batter to pick up his second straight win and ninth overall (9-4). Bassitt cruised through the first five frames, but White Sox infielder Josh Rojas led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a solo shot to put the Pale Hose on the board. Although the right-hander quickly recovered and retired the side. Toronto came out for the top of the next frame, but the contest would eventually be called due to rain, awarding Bassitt his first complete game since 2023, and third overall in his eleven-year career. He'll take a 4.16 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 103:29 K:BB across 106 innings (19 starts) into the All-Star break.

3 days ago

Bowden Francis • SP • Blue Jays

Bowden Francis Throws Side Session

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Bowden Francis (shoulder) threw a side session at the team's complex in Florida and is "doing alright," according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Francis was placed on the 15-day injured list in mid-June with an impingement in his right shoulder. The 29-year-old had struggled in 64 innings (14 starts) before getting injured, posting a 2-8 record with a 6.05 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 54 strikeouts. Given that veteran left-hander Eric Lauer has given the Blue Jays solid work in Francis' absence, Francis may not even have a rotation spot when he regains full health. Either way, he'll likely need at least a couple of rehab outings before he's able to return to the big-league mound.

4 days ago

Anthony Santander • RF • Blue Jays

Anthony Santander Hoping to Hit Soon

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander (shoulder) still isn't hitting yet but will hopefully do so soon. Santander has been sidelined on the IL since May 30 with a shoulder subluxation and still hasn't taken swings, although it appears he'll do so soon. The Venezuelan native's first stint with the Blue Jays hasn't begun the way he'd imagined after a career-year in 2024 -- slashing a woeful .179/.273/.304 through 50 appearances. Maybe his inevitable minor-league rehab assignment will be enough to break him out of his funk. The switch-hitting right-fielder won't be eligible to return until the end of the month (Jul. 30).

4 days ago

Alek Manoah • SP • Blue Jays

Alek Manoah Set for Simulated Outing Tuesday

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider reports that right-hander Alek Manoah (elbow) is expected to throw two simulated innings Tuesday in Florida. Manoah will then either toss another live session or move on to a rehab game. The 27-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery last June and is aiming to return from the 60-day injured list in mid to late August. Manoah made only five starts in 2024, posting a 3.70 ERA and 1.03 WHIP across 24 1/3 innings. He'll look to contribute meaningful innings this fall for a contending Blue Jays team.

4 days ago

Daulton Varsho • CF • Blue Jays

Daulton Varsho Runs Bases on Monday, Nears Rehab Assignment

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (hamstring) ran the bases Monday and is expected to do so again Wednesday. He is likely to begin a rehab assignment by early next week. The 29-year-old was placed on the injured list June 1 with a left hamstring strain and could return as early as mid-July. Before the injury, Varsho was slashing .207/.240/.543 in 24 games during his third season with the Blue Jays. Fantasy managers should watch Varsho closely, as he is likely to see consistent playing time for a surging Blue Jays team upon his return.

4 days ago

Lazaro Estrada • RP • Blue Jays

Lazaro Estrada Optioned to Triple-A

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect Lazaro Estrada has been optioned to Triple-A. Estrada was promoted to the major leagues earlier this week. However, Estrada logged just four innings of work during his first stint in the major leagues. He allowed one earned run and struck out four batters. He did not serve up a walk. Earlier this season, during his time with Triple-A Buffalo, Estrada saw all of his time as a starter and posted a 4.75 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP. During this stretch, Estrada tallied 66 strikeouts and allowed 21 walks. Fantasy managers should expect the No. 25-ranked prospect in the system to continue to operate as a starter in he minor leagues. However, when he does return to the majors, he will likely revert to the bullpen.

6 days ago

Ryan Burr • RP • Blue Jays

Ryan Burr Activated from Injured List

The Toronto Blue Jays have activated right-handed pitcher Ryan Burr (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list before their contest against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. Burr has been unable to pitch all season due to a shoulder injury. The 31-year-old logged 12 2/3 innings of rehab work and posted a 3.65 ERA with a strong 1.05 WHIP. Last season, Burr was deployed primarily out of the bullpen in Toronto. Across 32 2/3 innings, the right-hander held a 4.13 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. He showcased high strikeout upside as he tallied strikeouts at a high 33.6% rate, but held a modest 8.6% walk rate. Under the hood, Burr generated a solid 3.56 xERA with a .222 xBA. Fantasy managers should expect Burr to have a middle-relief role in the Toronto bullpen.

6 days ago

Joey Loperfido • LF • Blue Jays

Joey Loperfido Returning to Major Leagues

The Toronto Blue Jays have promoted outfielder Joey Loperfido to the major leagues. In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays have placed second baseman Andres Gimenez (ankle) on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain. Loperfido made his MLB debut last season but has yet to appear in an MLB game this season. Through 81 games in the majors last season (split between time in Houston and Toronto), Loperfido held a .214/.264/.350 slash line with four home runs and four stolen bases. This season, the Duke product has been very productive at Triple-A, holding a .278/.354/.422 slash line with 20 doubles and six round-trippers. With Daulton Varsho (hamstring) still sidelined, Loperfido could carve out a role in center field. He is worth adding in AL-only formats for the time being.

6 days ago

Andrés Giménez • 2B • Blue Jays

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez (ankle) was placed on the 10-day injured list before their contest on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels. Gimenez suffered a left ankle sprain during their contest on Wednesday. He eventually returned to the starting nine on Friday but faced a setback during that game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team has not provided a definitive timeline. In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays promoted outfielder Joey Loperfido from Triple-A Buffalo. Over his last 11 games, Gimenez has been very productive at the plate, posting a .342/.390/447 slash line with a double and a home run. While Gimenez is sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider to see most of the opportunities at the keystone.

6 days ago

Max Scherzer • SP • Blue Jays

Max Scherzer Battles Inflammation Through Abbreviated Start

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer (thumb) allowed just two earned runs on five hits and three walks over four innings in Saturday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the Los Angeles Angels. He did not factor into the decision. However, Saturday's start came with a caveat. The eight-time All-Star admitted he was dealing with "a lot of inflammation" in his thumb during the outing. Scherzer, who owns a 4.76 ERA and 23.5% strikeout rate, is yet to factor into a decision through four starts this season. While the 40-year-old has flashed glimpses of his former dominance, his .274 batting average against and career-worst 89.8 mph average exit velocity are concerning signs heading into the second half. The three-time Cy Young winner is in the twilight of his career and should only be rostered in deeper format, 14-team leagues or larger. Scherzer will look to shake off the thumb issue and is tentatively scheduled to start Friday against the Athletics.

6 days ago

Yimi García • RP • Blue Jays

Yimi Garcia Placed on 15-Day injured List

The Toronto Blue Jays have placed reliever Yimi Garcia (ankle) on the 15-day injured list with a sprained left ankle. The team recalled right-hander Robinson Pina from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. This continues an injury-plagued year for Garcia, who just returned from a long stay on the IL this week.. He missed the final week of May and all of June because of a shoulder impingement. Garcia returned on Wednesday to allow two earned runs over one inning in an 11-9 win over the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old righty has logged 21 frames this season and pitched to a 3.86 ERA with 25 strikeouts, 12 walks, six holds, and three saves.

7 days ago

Andrés Giménez • 2B • Blue Jays

Andres Gimenez Sidelined on Saturday

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez (ankle) is not in the starting nine on Saturday when the Blue Jays continue a series against the Los Angeles Angels. Gimenez suffered an ankle injury during the contest against the Yankees on Wednesday. While he was able to return to the starting nine on Friday, Gimenez was eventually lifted from that game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could be in danger of sitting out on Sunday as well. Over his last 11 contests, Gimenez has been one of the most productive hitters in the sport, posting a .342/.390/.447 slash line with one double, one home run, and nine RBI. Through 61 total games this season, Gimenez has held a .218/.300/.322 line. This afternoon, Davis Schneider will cover the keystone and bat in the nine-hole.

7 days ago

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. • 1B • Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Starting on Saturday

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (foot) is back in the starting nine on Saturday when the Blue Jays continue a series against the Los Angeles Angels. Guerrero was held out of action on Friday after suffering a minor foot injury on Thursday. However, the 26-year-old was able to avoid a serious injury and is making a quick return to the starting nine. Over his last 10 games, Guerrero has been in a bit of a skid at the plate, posting a modest .237/.341/.421 slash line with one double, two home runs, and five RBI. Through 86 total games this season, Guerrero has held a .274/.378/.439 slash line with 17 doubles and 12 round-trippers. He sits in the 96th percentile in xwOBA and 100th percentile in xBA, which suggests he should be in store for a massive second half. He is a strong play in DFS this afternoon, facing Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz.

7 days ago

Toronto Blue Jays News

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