Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider details injury woes ahead of 2026 Spring Training
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The Toronto Blue Jays will begin spring training dealing with significant injury concerns.
On Tuesday, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that designated hitter Anthony Santander will undergo left labral surgery and is expected to be sidelined for five to six months.
Here's #BlueJays manager John Schneider on Anthony Santander's injury setback and the decision to opt for surgery:
"Did everything we could to avoid this. I think, at this point, after last year, that was the best possible way to get him back to 100%."
"Did everything we could to avoid this. I think, at this point, after last year, that was the best possible way to get him back to 100%."
Starting pitcher Bowden Francis will have ulnar collateral ligament surgery, ending his 2026 season before it begins.
Meanwhile, right-hander Shane Bieber is managing forearm fatigue, which will delay the start of his throwing program, and will start the season on the injured list.
“Work through it with Shane and kind of do week-to-week with him and see how he's going said Schneider.”
Santander, 31, is entering the second season of his five-year, $92.5 million contract. He was limited to just 54 games last year due to a lingering shoulder issue.
In 194 at-bats, he hit .175 with six home runs, 18 RBIs and a .565 OPS. He collected three hits in five postseason games but did not appear in the World Series.
With Santander out, George Springer is expected to see increased time at designated hitter, while Addison Barger could take on a larger role in right field.
Bieber, 30, joined Toronto from the Cleveland Guardians at last season’s trade deadline and surprised many by exercising his $16 million player option.
He posted a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA and 1.017 WHIP across seven regular-season starts (40.1 innings), striking out 37 and walking just seven. He also went 2-1 in five postseason outings.
Francis, 29, struggled with injuries after a breakout 2024 campaign. Limited to 14 starts in 2025 due to a right shoulder impingement, he landed on the 60-day injured list in July.
He finished 2-8 with a 6.05 ERA and 1.531 WHIP over 64 innings, recording 54 strikeouts and 27 walks.
Despite Francis' absence and Biebers set back, Blue Jays don't lack potential starters
With both Francis out for the year and Bieber temporarily delayed, Toronto’s projected 2026 rotation currently features Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce.
Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer are expected to compete for a starting role this spring, while top prospect Ricky Tiedemann could also factor in as the team carefully manages his workload following elbow surgery in 2025.
The Blue Jays open their spring schedule Feb. 21 in Dunedin against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Their regular-season home opener is set for March 27 at Rogers Centre against the Athletics.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 11|160 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider details injury woes ahead of 2026 Spring Training Do you think the Blue Jays will be able to overcome these injuries and remain competitive till they return? | ||
| Yes | 115 | 71.9 % |
| No | 12 | 7.5 % |
| Too early to tell | 33 | 20.6 % |
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