Alejandro Kirk
Breakdown
Performance
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June 8, 2026
Could return Friday
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Kirk (thumb) could be available to return from the 60-day injured list as soon as Friday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Kirk is nearing the finish line of a long recovery from left thumb surgery, which has kept him on the shelf since April 4. The 27-year-old began a rehab assignment last week at Single-A Dunedin, making two starts at designated hitter and one at catcher while going 2-for-9 with a solo home run, two walks and an additional run. He'll get a couple days of rest before shifting his rehab assignment to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday, when he's expected to serve as a designated hitter. Schneider added that Kirk is then in line to start at catcher for Buffalo on Wednesday, and if all goes well, the two-time All-Star will rejoin the Blue Jays for Friday's series opener versus the Yankees.
June 3, 2026
Could return early next week
Kirk (thumb) could be activated from the injured list early next week, with Blue Jays manager John Schneider indicating the catcher would need about 20 at-bats on his rehab assignment before being ready to rejoin the lineup, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Kirk will begin his rehab stint at Single-A Dunedin on Wednesday, and depending on whether he's allowed to play on consecutive days right away, he could have time to get in 20 at-bats by the weekend. The organization might elect to be a little more cautious with the 27-year-old given that he last saw big-league action April 3, but with the Jays sliding in the standings and looking for a spark, they'll want their starting backstop back in the lineup as soon as possible. Tyler Heineman and Brandon Valenzuela will continue holding down the fort behind the plate until Kirk is cleared to return.
June 2, 2026
Beginning rehab assignment as DH
Kirk (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin on Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Analysis
Kirk will serve as the designated hitter when he begins his rehab assignment. The 27-year-old cleared the final steps in his recovery needed to begin the assignment by catching a live batting practice session and facing live pitching. He still needs plenty of playing time before he returns to Toronto.
