Toronto Blue Jays announce update on Bowden Francis

Francis (shoulder) resumed playing catch from 60-to-90 feet Friday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet reports.

Francis landed on the 15-day injured list June 17 due to a right shoulder impingement.

He was shut down from throwing after receiving a cortisone shot, but he has been given the green light to play catch and will look to progress enough in his recovery to start tossing bullpen sessions.

Francis went 2-8 across 14 starts with a 6.05 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 54:27 K:BB in 64 innings prior to landing on the IL.

As bleak as things are right now, all hope shouldn't be lost for the former multi-inning reliever, who owns 26 career major league starts, 11 fewer than Pirates phenom Paul Skenes, who debuted in May '24.

He's still learning how to be a starter at this level, and there does appear to be a path toward regaining his effectiveness. It just likely has to occur in triple-A rather than against major-league competition.

It's hard to find many positives in a season that's been so disappointing for Francis, especially considering how dominant he was towards the end of his third big-league campaign. He's likely struggling with that reality more than anyone right now.

In the end, this is still a business. When you don't perform up to expectations, there are consequences.

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