Injuries & Moves: Jansen (back) day to day; updates on RHP trio
LATEST NEWS
May 13: C Danny Jansen (back spasms) day to day
Manager John Schneider said Jansen is feeling this in his upper back, though it doesn't sound too serious at this point. Jansen wasn't available to enter Monday's opener against the Orioles, but will continue to get treatment in hopes that he's ready to start a game in this series. In the meantime, Alejandro Kirk gets the nod with Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Daulton Varsho available on an emergency basis.
May 13: RHP Bowden Francis (right forearm extensor tendinitis) to pitch in Triple-A on Tuesday
Francis will start for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Tuesday and the Blue Jays hope he can get up to two innings, landing close to the 40-45-pitch range.
The Blue Jays are missing a true bulk reliever in their bullpen, and while Francis stumbled as a starter to open the season, he's a valuable piece of this organization in a relief role. Once Francis returns, he could also represent a hybrid "sixth starter" if needed, piggybacking off another reliever for some length.
May 13: RHP Yariel Rodríguez (thoracic spine inflammation) and RHP Chad Green (right teres major strain) both throw bullpens in Toronto
This is more good news for the Blue Jays on both pitching fronts. Green is working back to a straightforward role, where he'd pitch plenty in the seventh and move around to high-leverage spots, but Rodríguez is a more interesting case.
So much can change between now and when Rodríguez returns, but if Alek Manoah is looking solid as the fifth starter, Rodríguez could become another intriguing bulk relief option or even pitch in a shorter role. That said, Rodríguez also flashed some real upside as a starter, so the Blue Jays can file this under "a good problem to have."
10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST
RHP Chad Green (right teres major strain)
Expected return: Potentially late May
Green threw a bullpen session on May 13 and continues to progress well. The next step will be getting Green into official rehab games, which the Blue Jays are still mapping out. Manager John Schneider said things will remain "fluid" as Green returns to throwing. The right-hander was off to a strong start, with a 2.35 ERA over seven appearances as the Blue Jays’ setup man. (Last updated: May 13)
RHP Yariel Rodríguez (thoracic spine inflammation)
Expected return: Potentially late May
After having his Spring Training schedule delayed due to back spasms, Rodríguez landed on the 15-day injured list on April 30 with thoracic spine inflammation. The right-hander threw a bullpen session in Toronto on May 13, which is an encouraging step. The Blue Jays could build Rodríguez back up as a starter or keep him in a hybrid role, depending on their needs when the time comes, but the next step will eventually be a rehab start. (Last updated: May 13)
RHP Bowden Francis (right forearm extensor tendinitis)
Expected return: Potentially late May
Francis threw a 42-pitch side session on May 9 and will now throw approximately two innings in a Triple-A rehab start on May 14. This puts Francis on track to return to the Blue Jays' bullpen after one more outing, if that's needed, which would be a significant boost to this group and take some of the load off the single-inning relievers. (Last updated: May 13)