Latest on Bowden Francis' health and his place on 2026 Toronto Blue Jays

Francis struggled mightily in 2025. The right-hander recorded a 6.05 ERA and 1.53 WHIP across 14 ineffective starts before landing on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement in June that sidelined him until the end of the year.

Much of the damage done against Francis came via the long ball; he allowed a staggering 19 home runs in just 64 innings pitched. His underlying metrics weren't pretty, either.

He ranked in the third percentile or worse among qualified pitchers in average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit percentage. His walk rate jumped to 9.4% while his K-rate fell to just 18.8%.

Now, a year removed from seemingly having a rotation spot locked down after a breakout back-half 2024 campaign, Francis is on the outside looking in with no clear path forward, and the Blue Jays shouldn't force opportunities for him next season.

Francis was placed on the 15-day IL back in June with a shoulder injury, and when he had setbacks during his rehabilitation he was the placed on the 60-day IL in July.

By September Francis was building his arm strength back up again while rehabbing at the Blue Jays player development complex in Dunedin.

Francis spent time with the Blue Jays through their postseason run, often acting as their pitcher for live batting practice between games, and he's expected to enter 2026 Spring Training competing for a depth rotation spot.

Having Francis start the season in Triple-A Buffalo probably makes the most sense if the organization still sees him as a starting pitcher long-term.