Jordan Romano Earns 12th Save

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jordan Romano was called upon to protect a three-run lead versus the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. The 30-year-old needed only 16 pitches to eliminate the Twins hopes of a come back. He did allow a single in the inning, but also struck out three batters to earn his 12th save of the season. Romano holds a 3.00 ERA with a 27/6 K/BB over 21 innings of work this season. Romano remains one of the better closers in baseball and should be rostered in most formats.
May 29 · Source via
Kevin Kiermaier Day-To-Day With Lower-Back Discomfort

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (back) is considered day-to-day with lower-back discomfort. He left Saturday's game against the Twins in the third inning after hurting his back on a throw. The 33-year-old received treatment on his back from the trainers Saturday afternoon and is considered day-to-day. He will undergo more treatment on his back Sunday. Kiermaier didn't log an at-bat before exiting. The Jays have Monday off and could opt to rest the veteran outfielder for the series finale versus the Twins. Kiermaier is slashing .319/.366/.511 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 23 runs, and five stolen bases over 43 games. Cavan Biggio would see an uptick in at-bats if Kiermaier misses additional games.
May 27 · Source via
Kevin Kiermaier Removed From Saturday's Game

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (back) was removed early during Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins. He was lifted from the game for Cavan Biggio in the third inning due to back discomfort. The expectation is that Kiermaier will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if Kiermaier misses a game or two because of this issue. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update on his status.
May 27 · Source via
Jordan Romano Registers His 11th Save On Friday

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jordan Romano closed out Friday's 3-1 win over the Minnesota Twins. The 30-year-old threw one inning, giving up one hit without a walk or a strikeout, earning his 11th save of the season. Romano has remained a top closer in baseball this season, sporting a 3.15 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 28.2% strikeout rate across 20 innings of work. Fantasy managers should be starting the Canadian native in every league with his 30-save potential.
May 27 · Source via
Blue Jays Release Julian Fernández

The Blue Jays have released right-hander Julian Fernández, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. Fernández, 27, signed a minor league deal with the Jays in the winter. He has been pitching for Triple-A Buffalo so far this year, tossing 9 1/3 innings over seven relief appearances. Unfortunately, he registered a miserable 10.61 ERA in…
May 27 · MLB Trade Rumors Toronto Blue Jays Julian FernandezBlue Jays Place Danny Jansen On IL With Groin Strain

The Blue Jays announced that catcher Danny Jansen has been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 25, with a left groin strain. Fellow backstop Tyler Heineman has been recalled in a corresponding move. Jansen, 28, has been splitting the catching duties with Alejandro Kirk fairly evenly so far this season, with Jansen…
May 26 · MLB Trade Rumors Toronto Blue Jays Tyler Heineman Danny Jansen Alejandro KirkDanny Jansen Lands On Injured List

The Toronto Blue Jays placed catcher Danny Jansen (groin) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to May 25) on Friday with a left-groin strain and recalled catcher Tyler Heineman from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. Jansen won't return until June now after injuring his groin running to first base in the game on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. It's a bummer for fantasy managers that were using the 28-year-old backstop of late, as he had gone 12-for-42 (.286) with four doubles, three home runs and 11 RBI in his last 11 games since May 13. Alejandro Kirk is catching for Toronto on Friday against the Minnesota Twins and right-hander Louie Varland, and he's expected to be the primary backstop while Jansen recovers.
May 26 · Source via
Alek Manoah Can't Fix His Command Issues Thursday

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah had another rough outing on Thursday when his team lost 6-3 to the Tampa Bay Rays. The 25-year went just three innings striking out six but walked five and gave up five runs (four earned) on three hits. The outing brought Manoah's ERA to 5.53, and he's also sporting a disastrous 1.79 WHIP, 18.0% strikeout rate and 14.9% walk rate over 53.2 innings. The 2022 Cy Young finalist has been one of the worst starting pitchers in all of baseball, and if he can't figure things out soon, he'll be one of the biggest busts of 2023.
May 26 · Source via
Danny Jansen Going For MRI Exam

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen (groin) will undergo an MRI exam on his injured left groin, according to manager John Schneider. Tyler Heineman will be on the taxi squad if needed. The Blue Jays are comfortable with giving Jansen a day or two with Daulton Varsho as an emergency backup catcher behind Alejandro Kirk. Jansen injured his groin running to first base on Wednesday and had to be pulled, and he could very well be looking at a trip to the injured list. It's terrible timing for the 28-year-old backstop, as he has been heating up at the plate in his last 11 games, going 12-for-42 (.286) with four doubles, three home runs and 11 RBI. Kirk should handle most of the catching duties for however long Jansen is sidelined.
May 25 · Source via
George Springer Resting Against Rays

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer is getting a day to rest on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Springer will take a seat in the matinee game, and fantasy managers need to make sure to shift him to their benches on Thursday. The 33-year-old has been red-hot at the plate in his last 10 games, going 14-for-41 (.342) with a double, triple, two home runs, seven RBI and eight runs scored in 47 plate appearances. Overall, he's hitting .250 (48-for-192) with two doubles, a triple, seven home runs, 22 RBI and eight stolen bases in 48 games played. Springer remains a must-start fantasy commodity. In his absence on Thursday, Nathan Lukes is in right field and is batting sixth, while shortstop Bo Bichette moves to the leadoff spot against Rays right-hander Zach Eflin.
May 25 · Source via
Danny Jansen Leaves Early With Injury Wednesday

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen (groin) left Wednesday night's game early against the Tampa Bay Rays due to left-groin tightness. Jansen departed the game after going 0-for-2 at the plate with one strikeout to drop his season average to .207. Alejandro Kirk, who would see more playing time behind the dish if Jansen were to miss any time with this injury, replaced him on Wednesday and also went 0-for-2 at the plate. The 28-year-old Jansen came into Wednesday's contest hitting just .210 (25-for-119) with seven doubles, six home runs and 26 RBI in 35 games, but he had come on strong of late with 12 hits in 40 at-bats (.300 average) with three home runs and 11 RBI in the last 10 games. Check back later for an update on the severity of his groin injury.
May 24 · Source via
Matt Chapman Smashes Second Homer In As Many Days

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman went 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base in the team's 20-1 demolition of the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Following a 28-game homer-less skid, Chapman has now gone yard on consecutive occasions. It's a signal that the slugger's fantasy buy-low window is starting to shut. The 30-year-old still leads the majors with a smoking 62.5% hard-hit rate despite the recent power outage. Chapman, April's Player of the Month award winner, also led MLB in doubles (15), wOBA (.486), and wins above replacement (2.0) over his initial 27 games. In May, however, the three-time Gold Glover is hitting just .205 with a .605 OPS and six RBI across 21 games.
May 24 · Source via
Danny Jansen Homers; New Catcher To Own In Toronto?

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen went 3-for-6 with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored as part of a 20-run bonanza against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. The long ball may have come off position player Christian Bethancourt in garbage time, but Jansen is certainly trending up. Across his last 10 games, the 28-year-old sports a .300 average (12-for-40) with three bombs and 11 RBI. Alejandro Kirk, whose fantasy ownership is dwindling, is hitting a trifling .184 (9-for-49) with a ghastly .504 OPS in May. The Jays are likely to ride some form of hot-hand approach behind the dish, so fantasy managers should watch this situation with a close eye.
May 24 · Source via
Blue Jays Select Ernie Clement
The Blue Jays announced a batch of roster moves today, reinstating right-hander Adam Cimber from the injured list and selecting the contract of infielder Ernie Clement. In corresponding moves, right-hander Thomas Hatch and infielder Otto López were optioned to Triple-A. To open a spot on the 40-man for Clement, right-hander Mitch White was transferred to…
May 23 · MLB Trade Rumors Toronto Blue Jays Ernie ClementDaulton Varsho Ends RBI-Less Drought With Four Bagger

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in a 6-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. He was relegated to the seventh spot in the Jays order for his last start. The 26-year-old went 36 at-bats since May 13 without tallying a single RBI before Monday's ninth-inning blast to help make the bout more interesting. Varsho accumulated nine RBI from May 2 to May 7, so fantasy managers hope this recent dry spell is in the rearview mirror. The speedy fielder is still hitting a subpar .207 with a .652 OPS. Varsho's six stolen bases, however, keep him within striking distance of returning to the conversation of top-10 fantasy catchers where eligible.
May 23 · Source via
Cavan Biggio Is In A Tough Spot

It wasn’t that long ago that the Blue Jays looked to be building their infield around a trio of second-generation stars whose fathers combined to go to 20 All-Star Games over the course of their respective careers. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio all made their big league debuts in 2019, and all…
May 22 · MLB Trade Rumors Prospects Toronto Blue Jays Cavan BiggioWhit Merrifield Homers Monday

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Whit Merrifield went 4-for-4 with a homer and two RBI in a 6-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. Merrifield launched a two-run homer in the fourth inning, cutting the Rays' lead to 4-2. The veteran infielder is now hitting .287 with two homers, 21 runs, 19 RBI, and 13 steals across 150 at-bats in 2023.
May 22 · Source via
No Structural Damage For Addison Barger

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop prospect Addison Barger (elbow) has been out since April 28 with a right-elbow injury, but he's not dealing with any structural damage after having it checked out by Dr. Keith Meister in Texas this week, according to sources. Barger is now rehabbing at the team's spring training facilities in Florida. The 23-year-old got off to a slow start at Triple-A Buffalo before his injury, hitting just .237 (18-for-76) with four doubles, a home run, six RBI, one steal, 10 runs scored and 27 strikeouts in 20 games played. Barger is the team's No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, but it remains to be seen when he'll be back in action down on the farm. The left-handed hitter broke out in 2022 with a .308 average and 26 home runs.
May 22 · Source via
Kevin Gausman Tosses Eight Strong Innings

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman put together fairly strong outing versus the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. The right-hander went eight innings, allowing six hits, and two earned runs, with four strikeouts. The strikeout numbers were down from his previous starts, but regardless it was a well pitched outing. Sadly, it wasn't enough as the Jays dropped this game 8-3 in 11 innings. Despite that, Gausman still holds a 3.14 ERA through 10 starts this season.
May 21 · Source via
AL East Notes: Dalbec, Espinal, Barger, Cowser

Trade rumors swirled around Bobby Dalbec back in December, and Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe (Twitter link) now writes that the Red Sox are still “taking trade calls on” on the former top-100 prospect. Dalbec entered today’s action with a .286/.403/.551 slash line and six home runs over 119 plate appearances for Triple-A Worcester…
May 21 · MLB Trade Rumors Prospects Toronto Blue Jays Boston Red Sox Baltimore Orioles Addison Barger Colton Cowser Bobby Dalbec Santiago EspinalGeorge Springer Homers, Fills Up Stat Sheet

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base in Saturday's 6-5 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles. The 33-year-old is now slashing .234/.298/.647 on the campaign, which is still highly disappointing. The four-time All-Star has been better lately, though, hitting .310/.375/.552 with two blasts and five RBI over his last seven games. Fantasy managers hope that Springer's recent string of strong play isn't curbed by a matchup with Dean Kremer on Sunday. Springer is just 1-for-13 in 14 plate appearances against the Baltimore hurler for his career.
May 20 · Source via
Whit Merrifield Absent From The Lineup On Saturday

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Whit Merrifield is not starting on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles. This looks to be a routine day of rest for the 34-year-old stolen base artist. Merrifield is slashing .264/.323/.350 with one home run, 16 RBI, and 12 stolen bases over 140 at-bats. He's been heating up at the dish of late and has notched five steals over his last eight contests. Santiago Espinal is taking over at second base against Grayson Rodriguez and the O's.
May 20 · Source via
Kevin Kiermaier Returning To The Lineup

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (illness) is back in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. The left-handed slugger has missed each of the last two games due to a minor illness. He's back now, Kiermaier will cover center field and bat ninth versus right-hander Kyle Gibson on Friday. The 33-year-old has been off to a hot start at the plate. Kiermaier is slashing .327/.387/.522 with three home runs and 13 RBI in 32 games this season.
May 19 · Source via
Jose Berrios Strikes Out Eight In Loss

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios took the loss to the New York Yankees in Thursday's 4-2 defeat, but he struck out eight batters and walked just one in 6 2/3 innings. Berrios surrendered three runs on six hits (one home run) for the quality start. The effort was the 28-year-old right-hander's fourth quality start of the year, and he's been pretty solid for his fantasy managers since a rough outing against the Kansas City Royals in his first start of the season. In nine starts overall, he's gone 3-4 with a 4.61 ERA (3.60 FIP), 1.25 WHIP, 12 walks and 52 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers would be ecstatic if Berrios can pull off another quality start in his next scheduled outing in a tough matchup against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays.
May 19 · Source via
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Takes Swings Thursday

Despite not being in Thursday's starting lineup against the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (knee) took some swings in the batting cages and also did some running. It is to be determined if he'll be available to pinch hit on Thursday night. Guerrero's MRI exam came back clean on Wednesday, so he's currently being considered day-to-day and could return for fantasy managers on Friday. Once he returns to Toronto's lineup, he needs to be back in all starting fantasy lineups as well. The left-handed-hitting Brandon Belt is getting the nod at first base again on Thursday with Guerrero out. The 24-year-old has a robust .312 average (49-for-179) with 11 doubles, seven home runs and 26 RBI so far through 40 games played.
May 18 · Source via
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Remains Out Thursday

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (knee) remains out of the team's starting lineup on Thursday against the New York Yankees. Fantasy managers should consider Guerrero to be day-to-day after his MRI exam didn't show any structural damage to his injured right knee. Hopefully, the 24-year-old All-Star slugger will be able to return on Friday. With Guerrero out again, Brandon Belt will get the start at first base and will hit eighth in the order against Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes. When he's in the lineup, Guerrero is a must-start for fantasy lineups. He's currently hitting .312 (49-for-157) on the year with 11 doubles, seven home runs, 26 RBI, two stolen bases and 25 runs scored in 40 games and 179 trips to the plate.
May 18 · Source via
Bo Bichette Looks To Increase Hitting Streak To Four Games

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette will look to notch a hit for the fourth straight contest as he takes on New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes Thursday night. There's a good chance he can get it done as the hitting machine has at least one hit in 10 of his last 12 games and he's enjoyed big-time success in his career against Cortes. It's only an 11 plate-appearance sample but Bichette has gone 5-for-10 with a homer, a double, a walk, and a 1.446 OPS in his career against the Yankees southpaw. The 25-year-old has racked up four multi-hit efforts over his last nine contests while his .319 batting average ranks fifth in all of baseball and second in the American League next to the Rays' Yandy Diaz at .321. Bichette should be in his usual two-hole in the series finale Thursday night.
May 18 · Source via
Jose Berrios Looks To Continue Wave Of Strong Starts Thursday

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios will look to stay in a groove Thursday when he takes on the New York Yankees in search of a series split. The right-hander has surrendered two earned runs or less in five of his last six starts as he continues to drive his ERA down toward his peripheral figures. While he still owns a 4.70 ERA on the season, Berrios also sports a 3.59 FIP, 3.78 SIERA, and a quality 17.1% K-BB% that combine to paint a prettier picture than his surface ERA suggests. Berrios has also turned in a 1.53 ERA in 17 2/3 innings at home this season versus a 6.67 figure across 28 1/3 frames on the road. He makes for a fine option on a small slate Thursday despite taking on a potent Yankees offense.
May 18 · Source via
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Gets Good News

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (knee) said he got good news on the MRI exam on his right knee, although he wasn't in the lineup on Wednesday against the New York Yankees. It's a day-to-day injury, and he'll see how he's feeling on Thursday. The 24-year-old All-Star left Tuesday's game early with soreness in his right knee, but fantasy managers can consider him day-to-day for now. There's a chance that we'll see Vladdy Jr. back in action on Thursday. The two-time All-Star slugger has one of the best bats in baseball, and he's proving it this year with a .312 average (49-for-157), 11 doubles, seven home runs, 26 RBI, two stolen bases and 25 runs scored in 179 plate appearances over 40 games.
May 17 · Source via
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Exits Tuesday's Contest With Injury

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman/designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (knee) was pulled from Tuesday's contest against the New York Yankees after experiencing right knee discomfort, MLB.com reports. The slugger is set to undergo an MRI, according to manager John Schneider, so there will be more word on the severity later on. It's awful news for the Jays and fantasy managers, as Guerrero Jr. has been on a tear, slashing .312/.385/.516 with seven bombs, 25 runs, 26 RBI, and a pair of steals over 40 games. Stay tuned for updates.
May 17 · Source via
Blue Jays Option Jay Jackson To Minors
The Toronto Blue Jays optioned right-hander Jay Jackson to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday and recalled right-hander Thomas Hatch from Buffalo in a corresponding move. Jackson only made three appearances out of the bullpen for Toronto and allowed a solo home run while walking two and striking out two in three innings of work. Hatch, 28, will give the team a fresh bullpen arm. The 28-year-old has yet to pitch in the big leagues this year. In three previous campaigns with Toronto, he pitched to a 5.58 ERA (5.56 FIP), 1.54 WHIP and 19.4 percent strikeout rate in 21 games (four starts) covering 40 1/3 innings. There is no fantasy value here.
May 16 · Source via
Kevin Gausman Looking To Stay Dominant Tuesday

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman is getting the ball Tuesday to take on Domingo German and the New York Yankees. The ace of the staff is putting up another spectacular season, posting a 2-3 record with a 3.38 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 34.2% strikeout rate, second among qualified starters. The Yankees might have a threatening offense, but Gausman is good enough to handle any lineup put before him. Fantasy managers should be starting the 32-year-old every start in every format.
May 16 · Source via
Trenton Wallace Looks Phenomenal In Minors
Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Trenton Wallace, 24, has blossomed into an appealing prospect since being selected in the 11th round of the 2021 draft. He has an advanced repertoire and is comfortable using all of his offerings regardless of the count. The southpaw has shown a knack for striking out batters recently, logging 10.80 K/9 this season. He can set the tone and miss bats with his mid-90s fastball, but his best offering is a mid-80s slider with phenomenal movement. Undoubtedly, this is his highest-graded pitch and should serve him quite well as he treks through the minors. Wallace had a great outing last Friday, tossing five innings without allowing a run, hit, or walk. Furthermore, he kept hitters off guard, finishing the game with 10 strikeouts. The Iowa product is truly a pleasure to watch and shouldn't take long to climb through the levels of affiliated ball.
May 16 · Source via
Alek Manoah Walks Seven Monday

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah turned in another poor performance in Monday's 7-4 loss to the Yankees. The 25-year-old pitched four innings, allowing five runs on six hits (including two home runs) and seven walks with three strikeouts. He has gotten off to an awful start to the season, going 1-4 with a 5.40 ERA, 7.00 K/9 rate, and 6.40 BB/9 rate in nine starts. His velocity has not been much lower than last season, but his command has been the real issue. While fantasy managers likely invested highly in him, they should really sit him in his next start against the Orioles. Ideally, they can sit him longer until he shows signs of figuring things out.
May 16 · Source via
Chris Bassitt Extends Scoreless Streak To 20 Innings

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt twirled his second career complete-game shutout for his fifth win of the year against the Atlanta Braves on Friday. The 34-year-old authored his most dominant pitching performance of the season, punching out eight batters and extending his scoreless-inning streak to 20 frames dating back to an April 30 start against the Seattle Mariners. Other than a nine-run bombing via the St. Louis Cardinals during the opening week, the former all-star has logged a quality start or better in seven of his previous eight starts. Bassitt will carry a solid 3.49 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, but a concerning 41-to-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio into his next scheduled outing against Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees on Wednesday at the Rogers Centre.
May 13 · Source via
George Springer Returns To Friday's Lineup

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (illness) is back in the starting lineup on Friday against the Atlanta Braves and right-hander Spencer Strider. Springer is starting in right field and hitting in his usual leadoff spot. The 33-year-old has been battling a viral illness and missed the last two games, but he'll be back in there this weekend. Fantasy managers will be hoping he can turn things around with the bat, as he's hitting just .209 (29-for-139) with a double, four home runs, 13 RBI, five stolen bases and 17 runs scored in 35 games so far in 2023. It won't be easy with Strider on the mound, so those in DFS contests may want to look elsewhere for a leadoff hitter. In seven games so far in May, Springer is 4-for-28 (.143) with a home run, three RBI and five strikeouts in 28 plate appearances.
May 12 · Source via
Matt Chapman Is Mashing His Way To A Massive Payday

From 2018-19, the short list of baseball’s best all-around players would’ve unequivocally included then-Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman. The 2014 No. 25 overall pick graduated from top prospect status to everyday big league third baseman in the second half of the 2017 season, and by 2018 he’d thrust himself into the fringes of the American…
May 12 · MLB Trade Rumors Toronto Blue Jays Matt ChapmanBo Bichette Knocks A Single In Loss

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette went 1-for-4 with a single in a 2-1 extra-innings loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. Neither team could find much offense in this one, particularly the Jays who totaled just four hits. Bichette picked up one of them, a single, in the low-scoring affair. The 25-year-old star is now working on a modest six-game hitting streak and has his season batting line up to .329/.369/.538 with eight home runs, 24 RBI, and one stolen base over 158 at-bats. He'll look to extend his streak to seven games on Friday when Toronto hosts the Braves for a three-game set.
May 10 · Source via
Blue Jays Sign Wes Parsons To Minor League Deal
The Blue Jays have signed right-hander Wes Parsons to a minor league deal, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He’s been assigned to the club’s Florida Complex League affiliate but will presumably head to Triple-A once he gets into game shape. Parsons, 30, was an undrafted free agent who nonetheless worked his way up…
May 10 · MLB Trade Rumors Toronto Blue JaysGeorge Springer Absent Again On Wednesday

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (illness) is not in the starting lineup for the second straight game Wednesday as the club takes on the Phillies in Philadelphia. Springer missed Tuesday's contest due to a viral illness, and it appears it will cost him Wednesday's contest as well. The right fielder is off to a slow start this season, hitting just .209 with four home runs, five stolen bases, and a .574 OPS across 151 trips to the plate. With just five extra-base hits on the season, Springer owns a tiny .094 isolated power along with a 62 wRC+ that indicates his bat has been 38% below the league average this season. Cavan Biggio will man right field and hit eighth against Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler.
May 10 · Source via
Ricky Tiedemann Week-To-Week With Biceps Injury

Toronto Blue Jays left-handed pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann (biceps) is being considered week-to-week with left-biceps inflammation after his injury was revealed during an MRI exam last week. The 20-year-old southpaw has been slowed by injuries so far in 2023 and has made only four starts for Double-A New Hampshire, posting a 4.97 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, seven walks and 23 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings pitched. The team's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has loads of upside in his left arm, but fantasy managers in single-year leagues might be expecting too much if they think Tiedemann is going to be a fantasy force at some point in 2023. The Blue Jays certainly aren't going to rush the talented left-hander back from this injury.
May 9 · Source via
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Returns To Toronto's Lineup

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (wrist) is back in the starting lineup on Tuesday, starting at first base and batting second against the Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola. A sore left wrist caused Guerrero to miss the team's last two games over the weekend, but it was nothing serious and he's back in there on Tuesday. Fantasy managers will want to get the 24-year-old slugger back in their starting lineups for the week. It won't be a very welcoming matchup in his first game back against Nola, but Vlad Jr. is hitting .318 overall (42-for-132) with seven doubles, seven home runs, 21 RBI, two stolen bases and 23 runs scored in his first 33 games of the season.
May 9 · Source via
Yusei Kikuchi Shuts Down Pirates Sunday

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi turned in a solid start on Sunday, earning his fifth win in a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The southpaw hurled 6 innings of scoreless ball while allowing just four hits and two walks. He also struck out three. Kikuchi sees his ERA lower to 3.35 and his WHIP to 1.19 after this one, and he is also one of only six pitchers with five wins on the year. While his underlying metrics don't look great, he has managed to greatly reduce his walk rate, something that was hurting him in the past. With good pitching being tough to come by right now, Kikuchi should be rostered in most leagues while he is getting results.
May 8 · Source via
Jose Berrios Strikes Out Seven In Third Victory

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios gave up only two runs in 6.1 innings on his way to earning his third win on Saturday versus the Pirates. The 28-year-old punched out seven in the contest and has now encouragingly yielded two runs or less in four of his last five starts. His 4.91 ERA suggests he hasn't been particularly sharp overall, but a decent 1.24 WHIP implies Berrios has perhaps underachieved to a degree. A 41/8 K/BB ratio also indicates a rather strong balance for the two-time all-star, but Berrios braces now for a daunting tentative schedule forthcoming. The right-hander will face the Braves next, and then lines up against the Yankees and Rays to follow. Berrios, a popular buy-low fantasy asset entering the year, perhaps warrants sell-high consideration ahead of this difficult stretch.
May 7 · Source via
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Scratched With Wrist Discomfort

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (wrist) was removed from Toronto's lineup against Pittsburgh on Saturday with left wrist discomfort. It's not yet known when the 24-year-old suffered the injury or if a trip to the injured list is a possibility. Fantasy managers will have to wait and see whether the superstar slugger has to miss additional time or not. Look for left-handed hitters Brandon Belt and Cavan Biggio, who is manning first base Saturday, to pick up additional playing time in the interim. The power-hitting Guerrero is slashing a robust .318/.389/.530 with seven home runs and 21 RBI across 132 at-bats in 2023.
May 6 · Source via
Whit Merrifield Steals Three Bases Friday

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Whit Merrifield could not be stopped on the base paths in Friday's 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, as he swiped three bases. In addition to running wild, Merrifield went 2-for-4 at the plate with a double and a run scored. The 34-year-old veteran still hasn't cleared the fences for a home run this year, but he's hitting a strong .292 (26-for-89) with eight doubles, 10 RBI, four stolen bases and 10 runs scored in 100 plate appearances in his first 25 games played for Toronto. In his last 11 games, he's gone 10-for-38 (.263) with four doubles, three RBI and two stolen bases. Although Merrifield isn't quite as good as he was in his prime in Kansas City, he can still rack up useful counting stats with the Blue Jays.
May 6 · Source via
Ricky Tiedemann Exits His Double-A Start With An Injury

Toronto Blue Jays top prospect Ricky Tiedemann was removed from his start for Double-A New Hampshire after experiencing left bicep discomfort, according to Kaitlyn McGrath. The former third-rounder is the 28th-best prospect in all of baseball, as per MLB Pipeline, and he's pitched to a 4.97 ERA with 23 punchouts and seven walks over four starts and 12.2 innings. It isn't clear if Tiedemann will have to miss time, but the 20-year-old is unlikely to see the majors until 2024 anyways. He has a ton of value in dynasty leagues with his strikeout potential, but fantasy managers can ignore him in all redraft formats.
May 4 · Source via
Zach Pop Dealing With Hamstring Discomfort
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Zach Pop left Thursday's contest against the Boston Red Sox with left hamstring discomfort, Kaitlyn McGrath reports. He went 0.2 innings, allowing three earned runs while walking and striking out one. The outing raised Pop's ERA to 6.59, and he owns a 25.0% strikeout rate and 1.24 WHIP across 13.2 innings. According to manager John Schneider, the club will see how he's feeling on Friday and then decide on their course of action. If Pop does miss time, it won't factor much into fantasy baseball, as he hasn't been used much in a high-leverage role, proved by his zero saves and one hold.
May 4 · Source via
Rafael Sanchez Delivers Strong Outing In Minors
Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Rafael Sanchez signed with the club as an international free agent in 2022 and has wasted no time making an impression in the minors. The right-hander's repertoire is headlined by a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, as well as a slider and changeup. The latter two pitches could use some more development so that they become strong put-away pitches, but he has already shown progress in this area through just one year. When signed, critics also said that Sanchez needed to work on his command, but that doesn't seem to be an issue so far in 2023. Sanchez has looked truly impressive this season, including this past week when he allowed just one hit and one walk over 5.2 innings of work. He also struck out a whopping 11 batters. It bears mentioning that Sanchez did allow three runs, but they were all unearned.
May 2 · Source via
Bo Bichette Delivers Five-Hit Night Monday

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette stayed red hot at the plate in Monday's 6-5 loss to the Red Sox. Bichette went 5-for-5 out of the leadoff spot with four singles, a three-run home run, and his first stolen base of the season. The 25-year-old has not delivered on steals but has been fabulous otherwise, slashing .344/.379/.552 with seven HR and 21 RBI. Hopefully, he can get the wheels going, but he should continue to be a high-end fantasy option hitting toward the top of a strong lineup.
May 2 · Source via
Jordan Romano Takes Second Loss Of Season Monday

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano fell to 2-2 in Monday's 6-5 loss to the Red Sox. Romano came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and keep things tied 5-5. However, he allowed a leadoff, walk-off solo home run to Alex Verdugo to end the game. Despite this blemish, Romano has pitched well so far this season, converting nine of 10 save opportunities with a 3.65 ERA and 11.68 K/9 rate. He should continue to be a reliable closing option for fantasy managers.
May 2 · Source via
George Springer Scratched From Starting Lineup Monday

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer has been scratched from Monday's starting lineup with what the team is calling a viral illness. Cavan Biggio will man right field in his absence while Whit Merrifield takes over at second base. It's a tough loss for the Blue Jays as they kick off a four-game set against their AL East rival Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. It's been a slow start for the veteran as Springer is hitting just .225 with three homers, five steals, and a .598 OPS across 28 games. His bat has been 30% below league average, per his 70 wRC+, while he has just four extra-base knocks on the campaign. His absence shouldn't be long while it's unclear if he will be available off the bench for Monday's contest.
May 1 · Source via
Blue Jays Acquire Tyler Heineman
As noted by Kevin Gorman of Tribune-Review Sports, the Pirates have traded catcher Tyler Heineman to the Blue Jays in exchange for minor league infielder Vinny Capra. Capra was assigned to Triple-A. Per The Athletic’s Kaitlyn McGrath, Toronto assigned Jordan Luplow outright to Triple-A to make room on the 40-man roster for Heineman, who was…
Apr 30 · MLB Trade Rumors Toronto Blue Jays Pittsburgh Pirates Tyler Heineman