Blue Jays Player Loses Job After Loss to Royals

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Blue Jays Player Loses Job After Loss to Royals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Aug 28, 2026 3:39 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays were handed an embarrassing loss Thursday, falling 13-2 to the Kansas City Royals in a game that quickly got away from them. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 0-for-3 with a walk, while George Springer provided Toronto’s only runs with a two-run homer. Starter Spencer Arrighetti allowed four runs, three earned, over four innings before the bullpen unraveled.

The Blue Jays were outplayed in nearly every phase, with Kansas City exploding for 16 hits and scoring six runs in the sixth inning. Simeon Woods Richardson was charged with six earned runs in one inning, while Myles Straw, normally an outfielder, pitched the ninth and surrendered another two-run homer.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Blue Jays responded Friday by making a roster decision involving Woods Richardson. The club announced it has designated Woods Richardson for assignment and recalled right-hander CJ Van Eyk, who will provide a multi-inning option out of the bullpen.

Woods Richardson had already been moved from the rotation into a relief role after struggling as a starter. He finished his latest stint with Toronto having appeared in five games in August, all in relief, posting a 8.64 ERA across 8.1 innings with nine strikeouts and five walks.

ROSTER MOVES:

RHP CJ Van Eyk recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight

RHP Simeon Woods Richardson designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/78NfhKEwVL
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 28, 2026

Van Eyk, meanwhile, gives Toronto another arm capable of covering multiple innings as the club manages a pitching staff affected by injuries. The Blue Jays have already lost Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage and Jameson Taillon to the injured list, while Jake Bloss is also sidelined.

Toronto will return to action against the Seattle Mariners, opening a three-game series Friday. Dylan Cease will start for the Blue Jays against the Mariners, with first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays enter at 65-70, while Seattle is 64-70, making the series important for both teams’ postseason hopes.