Blue Jays Preparing to Face Some Difficult Roster Decisions

Schneider shared that Toronto will bring Kirk along slowly when he returns, likely catching only four of every seven games. Kirk has not caught a pitch in the Majors since fracturing and dislocating his thumb on April 3rd. That could open the door to keeping three catchers. If Toronto only keeps two catchers, however, Valenzuela should stay, and Heineman should hit the road.

Let's begin on offense by comparing Valenzuela's stats on the left with Heineman's on the right. If this were a boxing match, the referee would have stopped the fight long ago.

Both are strong defensively, with a slight edge to Heineman.

Heineman excels defensively, which you'd better do to stay in the Majors with a .420 OPS. Despite starting only leads all catchers in runners caught stealing (11) and caught-stealing percentage (35.5%), aided by a game against Miami in which he was credited with four runners caught stealing.

Heineman, however, does not have any options remaining, meaning the Blue Jays cannot send him to the minors without him clearing waivers. Even with his tofu bat, a team needing a backup catcher who excels at defense would likely claim him. Valenzuela has three options remaining, meaning the Blue Jays will not risk losing him by sending him to Buffalo.

Having three catchers on the roster, though, greatly limits Schneider's flexibility elsewhere.

The Blue Jays will likely need to DFA Heineman. They do not have time to waste at this point. The slack is gone from the rough start. Valenzuela has played too well to return to the minors, and doing so would also send a demoralizing message to other young players.

The pitching decision will be more complicated. Cease would likely slot back into the rotation during Toronto's home series against Philadelphia early next week. If it does not happen before Cease returns, Yariel Rodriguez could be released, given his 7.71 ERA and 2.04 WHIP.

Simeon Woods Richardson might also be a candidate for the Abe Simpson award, based on the popular meme of Grandpa Simpson walking through the door, then immediately turning around, and walking back out the same door.

The Blue Jays claimed the former prospect who was part of the Jose Berrios deal this week, who has the second-longest last name (Woods Richardson) in Major League history, but could have a short second stay with Toronto.

Connor Seabold also has not exactly been a glimmering light of hope during his time in Toronto.

It may well depend on who has a fresh arm when Cease returns.

The Blue Jays are getting healthier. Decisions are coming.