Alejandro Kirk made his return from a left thumb injury Friday against the New York Yankees. He missed over two months of action after undergoing surgery. The 27-year-old made an immediate impact, reaching base in all four plate appearances and collecting two RBIs.
The Blue Jays have had an underwhelming season, still sitting two games under .500 after Friday's win. However, there is reason for optimism if the team starts to get healthy, and Friday felt like a turning point with Kirk back in the lineup.
The two-time All-Star remains one of the most important pieces, not just with his bat but also with his ability to manage the pitching staff and routinely steal strikes with his framing.
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However, Kirk will not get the chance to do that for Saturday's game. The Blue Jays announced their lineup and moved Kirk to the bench just one day after his return. Instead, breakout rookie Brandon Valenzuela drew the start behind the plate, hitting fifth in the order.
It is unclear why Toronto made the decision, but the reasoning was more than likely to give him a day off his feet.
Kirk had started the previous two games at catcher on Wednesday and Thursday during his rehab assignment before rejoining the team to start again Friday. The club is likely easing him back into action.
Kirk will likely still be available off the bench for manager John Schneider as a right-handed option at any moment. Toronto will have the chance to take the series against their rival Yankees on Saturday, just without Kirk.
