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Shane Bieber Shane Bieber Close to facing hitters
Thu, May 7, 2026, 10:59 AM
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Bieber (elbow) threw a "two-up" bullpen session Wednesday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Bieber has been able to throw off a mound on several occasions over the last few weeks, but his workout Wednesday was more rigorous than his prior bullpen sessions. The right-hander essentially threw the equivalent of two innings, with a break in between the frames to simulate a game situation. According to Schneider, Bieber is in line to throw another two-up session next week before moving on to facing hitters for the first time this season. Though Bieber staged a successful return from Tommy John surgery in the second half of last season, he doesn't appear on track to make his 2026 debut until June while he's been brought along slowly since the start of spring training after experiencing forearm fatigue following Toronto's run to the World Series last fall. |
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Alejandro Kirk Alejandro Kirk Set to begin hitting this weekend
Thu, May 7, 2026, 8:49 AM
Kirk (thumb) is expected to begin hitting this weekend, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: The backstop has been sidelined since April 3 due to a fractured thumb that required surgery, but Kirk's recovery is proceeding without setbacks and the Blue Jays remain optimistic he'll be back before the end of May. In his absence, Brandon Valenzuela and Tyler Heineman will continue to split catching duties. |
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Addison Barger Addison Barger Still aiming for Friday return
Thu, May 7, 2026, 8:46 AM
Barger (ankles) went 1-for-4 with a solo home run for Single-A Dunedin on Wednesday in what is expected to be his final rehab game before returning from the 10-day injured list, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: The 26-year-old has gone yard twice in three rehab games for Dunedin. While Barger could be added back to the 26-man active roster Friday, he may not be plugged into the starting lineup right away, as the Blue Jays are set to face Angels southpaw Reid Detmers in the first game of the weekend series. Prior to being injured April 5, all five of Barger's starts to begin the season had come against right-handed pitching. |
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Patrick Corbin Patrick Corbin Stuck with loss Wednesday
Wed, May 6, 2026, 4:16 PM
Corbin (1-1) took the loss Wednesday as the Blue Jays fell 3-0 to the Rays, giving two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out one.
Analysis: The veteran southpaw produced another solid performance, allowing two runs or fewer for a fifth straight start, but Corbin was stuck with his first loss of the year as the Toronto offense couldn't get anything going against Shane McClanahan and Tampa Bay's bullpen. Corbin's been a life preserver for the Jays' injury-depleted rotation, and he'll take a 3.60 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB through 30 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week in a rematch with the Rays. |
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Yimi Garcia Yimi Garcia Closing in on rehab assignment
Wed, May 6, 2026, 11:56 AM
Garcia (elbow) is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League as soon as Friday, MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Garcia has been on the shelf all season after he underwent surgery in September to clean up scar tissue around his right elbow, but he's made steady progress with his throwing program since spring training and now looks ready to test himself in a game setting. The right-hander will begin his rehab assignment in Florida but is likely to eventually move up to a higher-level affiliate within the next week or two. Garcia will be eligible to return from the 60-day injured list in the final week of May and could be ready to join the Blue Jays at that point if his rehab assignment goes smoothly. |
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Max Scherzer Max Scherzer Forearm injury lingering
Wed, May 6, 2026, 10:33 AM
Scherzer said Wednesday that he's been unable to ramp up his throwing due to lingering right forearm discomfort, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Scherzer landed on the 15-day injured list early last week with forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. The ankle injury is no longer bothering him, but the nagging forearm issue is preventing Scherzer from advancing in his rehab. He's undergone MRIs that have come back clean, but the veteran righty is still seeking answers for why his forearm is still giving him trouble, noting that he will "talk to more doctors and figure it out." |
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Jesus Sanchez Jesus Sanchez Taking seat against southpaw
Wed, May 6, 2026, 9:21 AM
Sanchez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: With southpaw Shane McClanahan on the bump for the Rays in the series finale, the Blue Jays will counter with a more right-handed-heavy lineup. Sanchez and fellow left-handed batters Andres Gimenez and Daulton Varsho will head to the bench, opening up spots for righties Lenyn Sosa, Myles Straw and Davis Schneider. |
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Andres Gimenez Andres Gimenez Idle against left-hander
Wed, May 6, 2026, 9:21 AM
Gimenez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: With southpaw Shane McClanahan on the bump for the Rays in the series finale, the Blue Jays will counter with a more right-handed-heavy lineup. Gimenez and fellow left-handed batters Jesus Sanchez and Daulton Varsho will head to the bench, opening up spots for righties Lenyn Sosa, Myles Straw and Davis Schneider. |
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Daulton Varsho Daulton Varsho Sitting versus southpaw
Wed, May 6, 2026, 9:21 AM
Varsho is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Rays.
Analysis: The left-handed-hitting Varsho will get a day off as the Rays send southpaw Shane McClanahan to the bump. Myles Straw will patrol center field for the Blue Jays, while Yohendrick Pinango will grab a start in right field. |
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Brandon Valenzuela Brandon Valenzuela Resting up Wednesday
Wed, May 6, 2026, 9:17 AM
Valenzuela is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: After catching eight innings of Tuesday night's 4-3 loss, Valenzuela will be rested for the series finale in Tampa. Tyler Heineman will handle catching duties for the Blue Jays. |
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Jose Berrios Jose Berrios Undergoing MRI on elbow
Tue, May 5, 2026, 3:46 PM
Berrios will undergo an MRI on his right elbow after he felt more sore than normal following his rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Berrios -- who is coming back from a stress fracture in his elbow -- was roughed up for seven earned runs on six hits and four walks across 3.2 innings in the outing. More will be known about his status after the MRI results are in, but even if he's cleared of any additional damage, Berrios' return to the Blue Jays' active roster doesn't appear imminent. Eric Lauer will continue to hold down a spot in the Toronto rotation. |
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George Springer George Springer Back in action Tuesday
Tue, May 5, 2026, 2:28 PM
Springer (foot) is batting leadoff as the designated hitter Tuesday against the Rays.
Analysis: The 36-year-old hasn't seen the field since being hit by a pitch during Saturday's game against the Twins, but he's ready to rejoin the lineup after sitting out two games. In four games since returning from a fractured big toe, Springer has gone 4-for-12 with an RBI. |
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Receiving first day off
Tue, May 5, 2026, 2:22 PM
Guerrero is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: It's the first game off of the season for Guerrero, who has struggled a bit since the start of May, going 3-for-17 with two walks, an RBI and three runs. Lenyn Sosa will pick up a start at first base Tuesday for the Blue Jays. |
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Yohendrick Pinango Yohendrick Pinango Three hits from leadoff spot
Tue, May 5, 2026, 9:00 AM
Pinango went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in Monday's loss to the Rays.
Analysis: Getting a second straight look in the leadoff spot against a right-hander pitcher, in this case Nick Martinez, Pinango produced his first career extra-base hit among his three knocks. The 23-year-old rookie has come flying out of the gates since his promotion from Triple-A Buffalo, going 9-for-18 in his first seven big-league games, and he could continue to fill a strong-side platoon role as long as he's raking. The Toronto outfield/DH picture is about to get a lot more crowded, however, with George Springer (toe) expected back in the starting nine Tuesday and Addison Barger (ankles) set to come off the IL by this weekend. |
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George Springer George Springer On track for Tuesday return
Mon, May 4, 2026, 8:40 PM
Springer (foot) is expected to be back in the starting lineup Tuesday against Tampa Bay, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Bannon mentions that Springer was spotted in the on-deck circle at one point during Monday's matchup for a potential pinch-hit situation, but he was ultimately pulled back to allow Brandon Valenzuela to hit. Springer has been held out of the lineup for two straight games after being struck by a pitch on his left foot Saturday, but he managed to avoid a significant injury and should be back in action for the second game of the series. |
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Addison Barger Addison Barger Expected back this week
Mon, May 4, 2026, 4:11 PM
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Barger (ankles) being activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday would be a "worst-case scenario,"Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Barger slugged a home run in his first rehab game with Single-A Dunedin on Sunday and will suit up for the affiliate once again Tuesday. He could rejoin the Blue Jays after that and be activated as soon as Wednesday, but a return Friday for the start of a homestand seems likelier. Barger has been sidelined since early April after spraining both of his ankles. |
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George Springer George Springer Held out again Monday
Mon, May 4, 2026, 2:22 PM
Springer (foot) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game in Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Springer had to depart Saturday's contest versus the Twins after being hit in the left foot by a pitch, and he will now miss a second straight start. He is considered day-to-day but is available to pinch-hit Monday, per Brian Murphy of MLB.com. Daulton Varsho is filling in at designated hitter Monday, and Yohendrick Pinango will get another look in the leadoff spot. |
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Jesus Sanchez Jesus Sanchez Three hits in Sunday's win
Mon, May 4, 2026, 9:40 AM
Sanchez went 3-for-5 in Sunday's win over the Twins.
Analysis: All three hits were singles and none of them led directly to any run production, but it was still Sanchez's first multi-hit performance since April 14. The 28-year-old outfielder has delivered his usual numbers through his first 33 games as a Blue Jay, slashing .250/.289/.404 with four homers, a steal, 11 runs and 15 RBI, but there are signs he could find another level over the summer -- his 93.2 mph average exit velocity and 11.3 degree launch angle are both career bests, as is his 17.5 percent strikeout rate. |
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Jose Berrios Jose Berrios Roughed up in fourth rehab start
Mon, May 4, 2026, 8:21 AM
Berrios (elbow) surrendered seven earned runs on six hits and four walks while striking out one batter across 3.2 innings in his rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Buffalo.
Analysis: Berrios tossed exactly 70 pitches for the second straight rehab appearance, but he lacked both command and control once again. After beginning his rehab assignment with a pair of starts in the Florida State League, Berrios has posted a 14.09 ERA, 2.22 WHIP and 3:6 K:BB while serving up five home runs over 7.2 innings since shifting to Triple-A. At this point, Berrios looked to be fully stretched out for a starting role, but his poor results in his last two outings with Buffalo don't offer much confidence that he would represent an upgrade over Eric Lauer at the back end of the rotation. The Blue Jays may wait and see how Lauer fares during his upcoming start Monday at Tampa Bay before determining Berrios's next steps. |
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Addison Barger Addison Barger Homers in first rehab game
Mon, May 4, 2026, 2:28 AM
Barger (ankles) went 1-for-2 with a walk and a two-run home run while serving as the designated hitter in his first rehab game with Single-A Dunedin on Sunday.
Analysis: The Blue Jays have not revealed their plans for Barger's rehab assignment, but Keegan Matheson of MLB.com suggests the likely plan is for Barger to fly north with the major-league club from Tampa on Wednesday night after he plays in a couple more games with Dunedin. Further, Matheson says Barger should be expected to slide right back into five starts per week for Toronto upon his return from the IL, despite the 26-year-old's 1-for-19 start before the injury. |
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