Blue Jays' John Schneider Announces Alejandro Kirk News Before Tigers Game

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk has not played since April 3 after fracturing his left thumb while catching behind the plate in a game against the Chicago White Sox.

The Blue Jays have turned to a tandem of Tyler Heineman and rookie Brandon Valenzuela to handle duties behind the plate while Kirk recovers. However, neither player can provide the value Kirk brings on a nightly basis.

Kirk collected just two hits in his first 22 plate appearances this year, but his track record suggests he is capable of much more. The 27-year-old Mexican backstop is a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner. He also routinely finishes as an American League Gold Glove finalist and grades out as one of the best framers in baseball.

Kirk is still aiming to return to the lineup by the end of May. He underwent surgery more than a month ago on his left thumb. Since then, he made his return to baseball activities in early May and has been slowly ramping up.

As the Blue Jays prepared for Friday's series opener against the Detroit Tigers, manager John Schneider announced another update on Kirk's recovery.

Schneider revealed that Kirk's thumb is responding well as he increases his catching workload behind the plate. He is also continuing to throw and hit, which are key steps toward full clearance (h/t Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet).

Alejandro Kirk's thumb is responding well as he ramps up catching per John Schneider. Kirk also throwing and hitting.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) May 15, 2026

This is encouraging news for the Blue Jays, as it indicates a rehab assignment could be the next step before Kirk returns to the lineup. That would be a massive boost once he is back.

Last year, Kirk was a major reason the Blue Jays made such a deep run in October and advanced to the World Series. Over 130 games, he posted a .282 batting average, .348 on-base percentage, .769 OPS, 15 home runs and 76 RBIs, making him one of the most productive catchers in the league. Getting him healthy and back in the lineup would give Toronto a much-needed boost as they try to climb the AL East standings.

Related: Trey Yesavage Reacts to News Away From Blue Jays on Monday

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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 1:30 PM.