Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk Injury Update After 47 Missed Games
Alejandro Kirk has not appeared in a major league game since April 3. The Toronto Blue Jays catcher fractured and dislocated his left thumb during just his fifth game of the season and later underwent a successful surgery to repair the injury. Nearly two months later, Toronto is still waiting for one of the most important players in its lineup to return.
The Blue Jays have spent much of the season managing injuries across the roster, and Kirk's absence has been among the most significant. But the 27-year-old has been making consistent progress in his recovery, according to manager John Schneider.
Kirk resumed catching bullpen sessions and taking part in live batting practice at the club's complex in Dunedin toward the end of April as he gradually rebuilt strength in the thumb. He later returned to Toronto to continue working with the Blue Jays' medical staff.
On Tuesday, The Athletic's Mitch Bannon reported that Kirk remains in Toronto continuing to build up both his catching and hitting.
#BlueJays injury updates: pic.twitter.com/KjMED3JSZj
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) May 26, 2026
Defensively, the recovery has gone well, and the next stage is regaining comfort at the plate and rebuilding confidence in his left hand while hitting.
Despite making necessary adjustments to the Blue Jays' lineup, Schneider has clearly missed Kirk's presence. In 2025, Kirk hit .282/.348/.421 with 15 home runs across 130 regular-season games before playing a major role during Toronto's playoff run.
He batted .254/.349/.493 with five home runs in the postseason as the Blue Jays reached the World Series for the first time since 1993.
Kirk is a two-time All-Star and remains one of baseball's better defensive catchers and pitch framers.
As the Blue Jays anticipate his return, they return to the field Wednesday to close their series against the Miami Marlins. Toronto will then have a seven-game road trip beginning Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Blue Jays enter the stretch at 26-29 and third in the American League East, with plenty of baseball still to play this season.
Related: Blue Jays' John Schneider Announces Disappointing Addison Barger Update Before Marlins Game
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 8:06 AM.