Blue Jays' John Schneider Announces Alejandro Kirk Update After Leaving White Sox Game

Kirk drew the start on Friday against the Chicago White Sox for his fifth game of the season. He has struggled so far, collecting two hits in his first 18 plate appearances. 

Unfortunately, during Friday’s game, Kirk left early due to injury. After grounding out in the top of the ninth inning, he did not return to the field for the bottom half and was replaced by Tyler Heineman.  

After the game, manager John Schneider announced that Kirk would undergo X-rays on his right thumb after sustaining the injury (h/t Mitch Bannon of The Athletic). 

Schneider added that he spoke with Kirk, who asked to be removed from the game. “When he says that, let’s get it checked out… especially with a guy like him and how important he is to us, I’m going to be ultra cautious there,” Schneider said (h/t Keegan Matheson of The Athletic). 

It was a rare moment where Kirk prioritized caution over playing through discomfort, a reminder of how essential he is to Toronto’s roster. 

If Kirk misses extended time, Heineman would likely step into an expanded role behind the plate, with Brandon Valenzuela being the most logical call up option. 

But Heineman is not close to the catcher Kirk is, whether at the plate or defensively, as Kirk remains one of the best framers in MLB. Now in his seventh season, all spent with Toronto, he remains a fan favorite. 

With the Blue Jays already dealing with multiple injuries to the pitching staff, any absence from Kirk would be felt immediately in the lineup as they try to navigate the early part of their schedule.