Apr 07, 2026
3 min read
TORONTO - Alejandro Kirk will need surgery to repair his broken left thumb on Tuesday, John Schneider announced. And although the Blue Jays will feel better about his timeline after that process, But it's still not the news that anyone expected. Kirk broke his thumb Friday in Chicago.
TORONTO — Alejandro Kirk will have surgery Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb, John Schneider said, and while the Blue Jays will have a better idea of his timeline after that procedure, it's still not the news anyone was hoping for.
Kirk broke his thumb in Chicago on Friday when he took off his glove, dislocating his thumb as well.Fortunately, there was no ligament damage, but the Blue Jays could still be without Kirk for a month or more.
Even if you think Kirk is for this team, it's double, maybe triple.Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
"The Corgi in the game is just an underrated player," Schneider said."The things he can do on both sides of the ball are pretty unique. Whether it's contact, home runs, catches, blocks or throws. One of Corky's superpowers is his consistency. That's hard to do when you're out there every day."
Injuries are against the Blue Jays earlier than expected in 2026, something that has given them a better chance in the World Series of 25. The rotation is the most affected, with Trey Yesavage, José Berríos and Shane Bieber who opened the season in IL, and recently they were with Cody Ponce, who visited the ACL specialist on Monday.Then, on Sunday in Chicago, Addison Barger left the game with both ankle injuries.
It falls when it rains.
But every team deals with injuries, and if there's one thing the 2025 Blue Jays will have, it's their ability to rely on the 'next generation of players' as a way to actually win, not just an idea.Toronto's depth was really strong a year ago, and now the focus is on catchers Tyler Heinemann and Brandon Valenzuela (pick No. 24 by the Blue Jays).
Heineman is a known commodity, a club favorite and a solid defender who broke out with the stick a year ago but is enduring some rough games in Chicago.Valenzuela was one of the stars of Spring Training and his new manager sees a "bright future," but he's still unproven.
"The most important thing, and I told Heineman and Valenzuela, is that you are not Alejandro Kirk. You are your own people," Schneider said."You don't have to do anything like him, you have to do what you are good at. When you look at our team, you look at Cease and Gausman, Vladdy and George, but Kirk has always been in the middle of it. It's difficult of course, but we have to have guys who go the extra mile."
The Blue Jays should have a more definitive timeline on Kirk by the end of this week.That will depend in part on how the procedure goes and whether doctors stick a needle in his thumb to help him recover.Meanwhile, the Blue Jays need a nice surprise to make up for the loss of their most important player.
