The Toronto Blue Jays entered their weekend series against the New York Yankees hoping to gain ground in the American League East, and Friday’s 8-5 victory offered a glimpse of what the lineup can look like at full strength.
Alejandro Kirk returned from the injured list and immediately made his presence felt. The two-time All-Star wasted little time reminding everyone what the Blue Jays had been missing, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs, an RBI double and a walk in an 8-5 victory at Rogers Centre. He also made an impact behind the plate from the very first pitch, successfully challenging an opening-pitch ball call through the ABS system.
Less than 24 hours later, however, Kirk was back on the bench. Brandon Valenzuela got the start behind the plate as Toronto faced Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler as the Blue Jays lost 3-1 on Saturday.
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The Blue Jays did not provide an official explanation for the decision, though the move appeared consistent with a cautious workload plan as the catcher works his way back from a two-month absence.
However, as Toronto prepares to clinch the series on Sunday, the Blue Jays announced Kirk is back in the lineup and will bat third.
Toronto enters the afternoon at 34-37, sitting third in the American League East and looking to build momentum before upcoming series against the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs.
Kirk was one of Toronto’s most productive players during its 2025 World Series campaign, batting .292 with 15 home runs and 78 RBIs during the regular season
Before his return on Friday, Kirk missed straight 62 games due to fractured his left thumb on April 3 and required surgery, forcing Toronto to rely on Valenzuela and Tyler Heineman for much of the season. While Valenzuela performed admirably and ultimately earned a continued roster spot, Toronto designated Heineman for assignment when Kirk was activated.
