Blue Jays’ John Schneider Shares Alejandro Kirk Injury Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 7, 2026 9:21 AM ET

The first 37 games of the 2026 MLB season have felt more like a hangover for a Toronto Blue Jays team that entered the year as defending American League champions and runners-up of the 2025 World Series. Injuries have piled up across the roster, and the offense that carried them to the Fall Classic has gone quiet at the worst possible time.

None of those absences has stung more than losing their starting catcher. Alejandro Kirk underwent surgery to have a screw inserted into his fractured left thumb and was initially expected to miss around six weeks. He has now missed 30 games, and with the offense sputtering, the pressure on manager John Schneider to find answers has only grown.

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30)Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, ahead of the Blue Jays’ series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays, Schneider offered a sliver of relief. Kirk is still on track for the six-week timeline established after his April 7 surgery.

With the catcher beginning to hit this past weekend, Schneider indicated that his return is right on schedule, though rehab games will still be required before he’s back behind the plate (h/t Mitch Bannon of The Athletic).

Alejandro Kirk is still on track for the 6-week timeline estimated after his April 7 surgery, Schneider said. Will certainly need some rehab games.

“With him starting to hit this weekend, I think that probably puts it right on schedule.” #BlueJays
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) May 6, 2026

Kirk came off a career year in 2025, setting new highs with 15 home runs and 76 RBI across 130 games while slashing .282/.348/.421. He earned his second All-Star nod and elevated his performance further in the postseason, becoming the first Mexican-born player to homer in a World Series game.

One of the most decorated catchers in the game, Kirk signed a five-year, $58 million extension in March 2025, signaling the franchise’s long-term commitment to him as a cornerstone.

Without him, Toronto’s lineup has obviously lacked its anchor. The Blue Jays currently find themselves on a four-game losing streak, sitting at 16-21, well below expectations for a team with championship pedigree. They are fourth in the AL East, nine games behind the New York Yankees, and Captain Kirk’s return can’t come soon enough.

Next up for Toronto is a three-game series on the road against the Los Angeles Angels, starting Friday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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