'Best-case scenario' has Kirk back with Blue Jays this weekend

Alejandro Kirk is nearing his return from April surgery to repair a fractured left thumb, potentially as soon as this weekend when the Blue Jays host the Yankees in a three-game set.

The Jays’ starting catcher has been on a rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin since June 3. The catcher homered as the designated hitter in his first game in the Minor Leagues and also caught once in three appearances.

It appears that Toronto plans to transfer his rehab assignment to Triple-A Buffalo this week.

“I think the best-case scenario on Kirk,” manager John Schneider said Monday, “if all goes well and he plays all three days in Buffalo with the off day for us on Thursday, would be him being ready on Friday.”

After earning his second career All-Star selection in 2025, the 27-year-old Kirk started a bit slowly in his first five games of 2026 before the injury set him back. He was 3-for-20 with a homer, a double and a pair of RBIs.

Kirk’s impending return is certainly a welcomed sight, not only because of his offensive prowess and strong defensive reputation, but also with the Jays currently on the outside looking in to a playoff spot.

To get Kirk back on the roster, Toronto will likely have to decide between keeping impressive rookie Brandon Valenzuela or veteran Tyler Heineman on the roster. Valenzuela has been the better player, posting an .809 OPS and a 126 wRC+ in 44 games while also grading as a plus defender. However, the 25-year-old Valenzuela can still be optioned to the Minor Leagues, while Heineman (.410 OPS, 16 wRC+) is out of options.

Schneider has said keeping three catchers is “not ideal.” But whoever remains on the roster should at least see more frequent playing time than typically expected, with the club planning to ease Kirk back into full-time action.