Report: Latest update on injured Toronto Blue Jays closest to returning
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It hasn’t been the start the Toronto Blue Jays envisioned for the 2026 season.
Just over two weeks in, and the Toronto Blue Jays have already experienced a turbulent mix of highs and lows, compounded by injuries and inconsistent play.
While ups and downs are inevitable over a 162-game schedule, the Blue Jays have endured more than their share early on.
With 147 games left and six playoff spots available in each league, FanGraphs gives the Blue Jays a 38 per cent chance of making the postseason.
Given the circumstances, reinforcements can’t come soon enough.
Following George Springer landing on the injured list, the team now has 10 players sidelined, representing more than $100 million of the 2026 payroll.
Right-handers Bowden Francis and Cody Ponce are not expected to return this season, but eight others could be back in action.
Here’s a closer look at their status, proximity to the majors, and how the team is managing in the meantime:
Timeline: Barger is out of his walking boot but has not yet resumed baseball activities.
Manager John Schneider is hopeful he’ll only miss the minimum 10 days, making him eligible to return Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In the meantime: Nathan Lukes, Jesus Sanchez, Myles Straw, and Davis Schneider have been rotating through the corner outfield spots.
Timeline: Yesavage is expected to make at least one more rehab start in the minors this week. If all goes well, he could return to the Blue Jays as early as next week.
In the meantime: Veteran left-hander Patrick Corbin was signed to help stabilize the rotation while pitchers like Yesavage and José Berríos work their way back.
Timeline: Doctors expect Springer to feel some improvement within 7–10 days, though full recovery will take longer.
Springer pushed to stay in the game despite the injury, but X-rays confirmed a fracture. The next couple of days should provide more clarity on his recovery timeline.
In the meantime: Former White Sox slugger Eloy Jiménez has been called up and will help fill the designated hitter role. He made an immediate impact, collecting two hits against the Twins.
Timeline: Berríos is progressing but remains at least a couple of weeks away.
He recently threw live batting practice and is expected to begin a rehab assignment next week, with a 50-pitch target in his first outing.
In the meantime: Corbin and others continue to take on larger roles in the rotation.
Timeline: García has resumed throwing off a mound and is making steady progress, though he has not yet started a rehab assignment.
Relievers can return quickly once fully healthy, but his exact timeline remains uncertain.
In the meantime: Rule 5 pick Spencer Miles and left-hander Joe Mantiply have been getting consistent opportunities out of the bullpen.
Timeline: Kirk is expected to miss about six weeks, putting a potential return around mid-May if recovery stays on track.
In the meantime: Rookie Brandon Valenzuela has impressed, hitting his first career home run and earning praise for his strong arm. He’s sharing catching duties with
Tyler Heineman.
Tyler Heineman.
Timeline: Bieber has begun throwing off a mound, a key step in his recovery. However, he has yet to start a rehab assignment.
Once he returns to minor-league games, it will signal he’s likely within a month of rejoining the major-league roster.
In the meantime: Bieber’s slow ramp-up contributed to the Blue Jays’ interest in signing Max Scherzer, Corbin and perhaps even Ponce. At this stage, he’s too far away from the majors to create pressure on the current rotation.
Timeline: Santander will miss most of the season, but if his recovery goes well he’s a candidate to return to big-league action late in the season, perhaps by August or September.
In the meantime: The Santander injury preceded the acquisition of Sanchez, who has been getting regular corner outfield reps along with Lukes, Straw and Schneider.
Even with the mounting injuries, the Blue Jays remain within striking distance early in the season. If they can stay afloat while key players recover, there’s still a clear path back into the playoff picture.
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