The Blue Jays activated two-time All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk from the 60-day injured list on Friday and designated veteran backstop Tyler Heineman for assignment. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club also placed outfielder Dalton Varsho on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation and recalled outfielder Davis Schneider from Triple-A Buffalo.
Kirk’s return marks a major shift for Toronto’s catching corps. The 26-year-old has played just five games this season after undergoing surgery for a broken left thumb in early April. His absence allowed Brandon Valenzuela to flourish as a rookie, slashing .252/.333/.457 with seven home runs and 1.5 fWAR in 46 games. Valenzuela ranked in the 100th percentile in pitch framing and earned 5 defensive runs saved and 7 fielding runs value.
Heineman, who was claimed off waivers from the Red Sox in September 2024, has struggled offensively this season. The 34-year-old has hit a dismal .154/.205/.205 with one home run in 87 plate appearances. That represents a steep decline from his 2025 campaign when he posted a career-best .289/.361/.416 line and 2.1 fWAR. Heineman, who is in his third stint with the Jays, will have until July 13 to accept an outright assignment or be traded.
Varsho’s IL placement adds another hurdle for Toronto’s lineup. The 26-year-old, who is in a contract year, has hit .256/.331/.408 with five home runs in 64 games. His defense has regressed slightly, with his arm strength ranking in the 18th percentile after rotator cuff surgery in 2024. Myles Straw and Nathan Lukes are expected to fill in while Varsho recovers.
Right-handed reliever Yariel Rodriguez, who was designated for assignment on June 8, has cleared waivers and will return to Buffalo. Rodriguez, who signed a five-year, $32 million deal in 2024, has posted a 7.11 ERA in 9 1/3 innings this season with more walks than strikeouts. The Blue Jays are now looking ahead as they prepare for a crucial series against the Rays on Saturday.
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