Alejandro Kirk confirmed he’ll be back in the Toronto Blue Jays lineup on Friday against the New York Yankees after thumb surgery, while the team still awaits the corresponding roster move.
Toronto didn’t have to wait long for the news to land: Alejandro Kirk, recovering from thumb surgery, said he expects to be back behind the plate on Friday against the New York Yankees.
Kirk confirmed the plan on Thursday with a grin after going 1-for-3 as the designated hitter for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons. “I think I’m going to catch tomorrow,” Kirk said with a smile. “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that.”
The timing has been building for days. Blue Jays manager John Schneider had suggested earlier in the week that Friday was the target for Kirk’s return from thumb surgery.
Kirk’s injury dates back to April 3, when he fractured his left thumb after being hit by a pitch while catching. Surgery followed shortly after, and since early June he’s been working his way back through rehab appearances with single-A Dunedin and Buffalo.
The comeback matters for more than the numbers. Kirk was an all-star for the second time in his career in 2025, but he had struggled early this season before the injury. In five games in 2026, he went three-for-20 with one home run and two walks.
With Kirk set to return, Toronto still has not announced the corresponding roster move to activate him. In the meantime, Tyler Heineman and rookie Brandon Valenzuela have run the catching workload. Valenzuela, called up to replace Kirk, has produced seven home runs and a .790 OPS since joining the team. Heineman has also contributed in limited time, with one home run and a .410 OPS.
The next few days will make it clear how the Blue Jays reshape their roster once Kirk is cleared to take his spot—after the injury that kept him out since April 3, and after a string of catching duties that have brought new faces into focus.
Alejandro Kirk Toronto Blue Jays New York Yankees thumb surgery Friday return Buffalo Bisons Brandon Valenzuela Tyler Heineman