The Toronto Blue Jays enter Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies at 32-34, sitting third in the American League East. Toronto has won two straight and is beginning to get key contributors back from the injured list at a critical point in the season. With a pivotal series against the New York Yankees looming later this week, the Blue Jays have an opportunity to build on their recent form.
One of the most important absences on the roster has been catcher Alejandro Kirk. The 26-year-old has not appeared in an MLB game since suffering a fractured and dislocated left thumb on April 3.
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Entering the 2026 season, Kirk was expected to play a huge role in the club’s quest for another deep playoff run after coming off the best season of his career. His injury forced the Blue Jays to adjust behind the plate and removed one of the lineup’s most reliable offensive contributors for more than two months.
Now, as the team prepares to open a new series at home against Philadelphia, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith revealed the Blue Jays’ next plan for Kirk and when he would likely return to the lineup.
Kirk is scheduled to serve as the designated hitter for Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday before returning to catching duties later in the week as part of his rehab assignment. If everything goes according to plan, the Blue Jays are targeting Friday’s series opener against the Yankees as a potential activation date.
This update couldn’t have come at a better time for a Blue Jays team that has struggled to crack the .500 mark for much of the season. Kirk is one of their best players and owns a career .267 batting average and a .343 on-base percentage, consistently ranking among the best hitters at his position.
Tuesday’s DH assignment is a standard step in the recovery process for catchers, allowing Kirk to continue building at-bats before taking on the physical demands of catching on a regular basis. The Blue Jays have been deliberate throughout his rehabilitation and appear committed to ensuring he is fully ready before activating him.
Before Kirk potentially rejoins the lineup later this week, Toronto will turn its attention to its Monday matchup against the Phillies. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET as the Blue Jays look to extend their winning streak
