The Toronto Blue Jays are navigating early-season pitching injuries and trying to find some stability in their rotation.
Their recent game against the Colorado Rockies on Monday, however, added another concerning development to the Blue Jays' depth on the mound.
Cody Ponce had been working his way back into the MLB since departing it in 2021, logging 2.1 innings with three strikeouts, one hit allowed and one walk before exiting Monday’s outing.
The Blue Jays’ bullpen was forced to cover multiple innings after his departure, with the franchise labeling Ponce's injury as "right knee discomfort."
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
That development led to a roster move, as the Blue Jays are expected to recall right-handed pitcher Lázaro Estrada from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday, according to Francys Romero.
“The Toronto Blue Jays have recalled right-hander pitcher Lázaro Estrada from Buffalo, Triple-A, per source. He is expected to join the team (on Tuesday),” Romero reported on X.
Estrada, 26, has spent much of his career developing in the minor leagues before breaking out in 2024, when he posted a 3.29 ERA and 3.31 FIP across 98.1 innings.
Estrada spent the majority of the 2025 season with Triple-A Buffalo, where he recorded a 5.73 ERA over 97.1 innings, earning two call-ups to the MLB in July.
In limited major-league action last year, appearing in two games, Estrada struck out 10 batters over 7.1 innings, allowing 10 hits, two home runs and a walk.
Toronto continues its series against the Rockies on Tuesday, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET in Rogers Center.
