Blue Jays' Bowden Francis on his recovery, best offseason he's ever had
Photo credit: Hazel Mae-x.com
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis is back at camp just days after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
The setback came swiftly. Last week, the Toronto Blue Jays announced Bowden Francis would require the season-ending procedure before the year even got underway.
Shortly after, he shared a post-surgery photo on Instagram, reassuring fans that everything had gone smoothly.
By Saturday, Francis had already returned to the club’s spring facility.
According to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet, the right-hander admitted he was “bummed,” calling it the best offseason of his career. Still, he emphasized that he remains optimistic and confident he’ll get through the rehab process.
Earlier this month Bowden Francis threw a slider on the 12th pitch of a bullpen and something just didn’t feel right.
He had Tommy John surgery earlier this week.
Francis was “bummed” because it was the best off-season he’s ever had.
“It’s gonna be ok. I’ll be positive”
He had Tommy John surgery earlier this week.
Francis was “bummed” because it was the best off-season he’s ever had.
“It’s gonna be ok. I’ll be positive”
Injury is another tough chapter in Francis’ ongoing battle to stay healthy
After carving out a valuable role in 2024 with a 3.30 ERA over 103 innings, he was limited to just 64 innings in 2025 before arm trouble resurfaced.
His absence carries real weight for Toronto’s pitching depth. Having a reliable, optionable starter at Triple-A is a luxury for any club, and with Francis sidelined until 2027 — and Shane Bieber potentially not ready until later this season — the organization’s depth is being tested early.
Veteran left-hander Eric Lauer is expected to be stretched out again after stepping up in a major way last season and stabilizing the rotation.
Meanwhile, top prospect Ricky Tiedemann will continue building up in shorter outings as he completes his own return from Tommy John surgery.
Another name to watch is Gage Stanifer, who broke out in 2025 and could find himself in Triple-A sooner rather than later.
For the Blue Jays, the hope now is simple: let this be the last blow to the pitching staff.
There’s no such thing as too much rotation depth — and if anyone wonders why, the answer often reveals itself quickly.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 14|136 ANSWERS Blue Jays' Bowden Francis on his recovery, best offseason he's ever had Do you think Bowden Francis will ever pitch like he did in 2024 again? | ||
| Yes | 35 | 25.7 % |
| No | 69 | 50.7 % |
| Too early to tell | 32 | 23.5 % |
| List of polls | ||