Blue Jays Facing Decision After Alejandro Kirk News
The Toronto Blue Jays entered Friday at 30-33, fourth in the American League, for a sluggish first act for a team that reached the World Series a year ago and has since been buried with injuries.
No absence has loomed larger than Alejandro Kirk. The catcher hit .282 with a .348 on-base percentage and a .769 OPS in 2025, hitting 15 home runs while earning his second All-Star selection and grading as one of baseball's best defenders behind the plate.
Kirk has not caught a big league pitch since April 3, when a foul tip fractured and dislocated his left thumb, requiring surgery. He began a rehab assignment at Single-A Dunedin on Wednesday, homering in his first game as the team's designated hitter.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider told Sportsnet's Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker that the team will bring Kirk along gradually rather than hand him his full workload at once. He said that Kirk could catch four of every seven games at first and gradually give him more action over time.
"We want him to be in kind of a traditional role that he's been accustomed to, but it may take a little bit of time to get to that point," Schneider said.
That math will require keeping an extra catcher on hand. When asked whether it could mean carrying three catchers, he did not rule it out, saying the team would figure it out when the time comes.
"There could be a world where we carry three [catchers]."
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) June 5, 2026
Blue Jays manager John Schneider joins @SNJeffBlair and Kevin Barker to discuss the plan behind the plate when Alejandro Kirk returns.
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The question falls on rookie Brandon Valenzuela and veteran Tyler Heineman, who have split time behind the plate in Kirk's absence. Valenzuela is slashing .231/.325/.398 with five home runs and 11 RBIs in 40 games. His defense behind the plate could be improved upon, as he's leading the league in errors at the position with six. Heineman is a worse bat, slashing .158/.219/.211 with one home run and just six RBIs in 30 games. Heineman's defensive numbers are a slight increase, placing first in caught stealing with 11 and fifth in assists with 16.
Whether Toronto keeps one of them or rosters all three, the call will signal how hard the Blue Jays intend to chase October and climb up the division.
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 6:55 PM.