Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk is just one of many players on the team underperforming in 2026. Kirk missed two months while recovering from a severe left thumb injury that required surgery.
Unfortunately, in the games before going down and since returning in mid-June, he has simply not performed to his usual standards as a two-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger award winner.
Across 22 contests this year, the 27-year-old Mexican catcher has posted a .182 batting average, .247 on-base percentage, .533 OPS, two home runs and seven RBIs.
He has not provided the Blue Jays with the boost they were hoping for, and they have continued to struggle even with him back in the lineup.
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Since returning from injury, the Blue Jays have been cautious with Kirk's workload. Even though he is a catcher, he missed just 32 games in his 2025 season. This year, though, they have elected to give him more rest than usual.
Part of the reason is that his recovery from the fractured left thumb is still relatively recent, but another factor is the emergence of rookie backup Brandon Valenzuela.
Called up after Kirk went down, Valenzuela thrived in his role and is now a capable replacement in the lineup. The Blue Jays decided for Tuesday's game against the San Francisco Giants to go with Valenzuela behind the plate instead of Kirk.
It makes sense given that Kirk himself could likely use a rest at the plate. He has gone hitless over his last three games, going 0-for-11.
The Blue Jays offense is also searching for a spark entering Tuesday, having scored just one run over a three-game losing streak.
