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Blue Jays Sign Veteran Starter as Rotation Injuries Mount

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Michael Coyle | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 11:21 PM ET

On Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that they signed pitcher Patrick Corbin to a one-year, $1 million contract. The left-hander will report to the Dunedin Blue Jays to begin ramping up.

Corbin spent the 2025 season as a member of the Texas Rangers. In 31 appearances (30 starts), the 36-year-old went 7-11 with a 4.40 ERA and a 1.365 WHIP. He also struck out 131 batters in 155 1/3 innings, with opposing batters hitting .267.

2026 will be Corbin’s 14th season at the major league level. For his career, Corbin has a record of 110-142, an ERA of 4.51, and a WHIP of 1.372. The left-hander is a two-time All-Star and won a World Series in 2019 as a member of the Washington Nationals.

Blue Jays Sign Patrick Corbin to One-Year Deal

Where Does Corbin Fit?

Corbin will need to go through a full ramp-up period, as the left-hander wasn’t a part of any club’s spring training this year. Since 2021, Corbin has made at least 30 starts in each of the five seasons, so the former second-round draft pick brings durability to a club that is already dealing with an abundance of injuries.

OFFICIAL: We’ve signed LHP Patrick Corbin to a one-year deal. He has been optioned to the Dunedin Blue Jays. pic.twitter.com/hj7N2U0wFe

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 3, 2026

The Blue Jays’ rotation currently consists of Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Eric Lauer, and Max Scherzer, working with four starters as injuries pile up. Shane Bieber, José Berríos, and Trey Yesavage all have yet to throw a pitch in a regular-season game this year, while Cody Ponce suffered an ACL injury that is going to keep him out of action for a significant portion of the season.

Timelines for the Injured Starters

Yesavage appeared in a game with the Single-A Blue Jays on Friday night, throwing 44 pitches across 2 ⅔ innings. The 22-year-old allowed one run on one hit, walking one and striking out three. While the Blue Jays are likely to be cautious with their prized right-hander, Yesavage looks like he could work his way back into the Blue Jays’ rotation around the end of April.

Meanwhile, Berríos is dealing with a stress fracture in his right elbow. The 31-year-old threw a bullpen session this week and will face live hitters on Saturday. The Blue Jays are confident that he can pitch through the ailment, so a strong session on Saturday could lead to a rehab assignment in the coming days. Berríos built up to 63 pitches in his final outing during the spring, so like Yesagave, he has a chance to return near the end of the month.

Bieber remains the furthest behind of the injured trio as the Blue Jays’ trade deadline acquisition is dealing with a forearm issue. On Saturday, Bieber is expected to throw off a mound for the first time in 2026. The Blue Jays are likely to build Bieber up slowly as the right-hander is coming off a year in which he returned from his second Tommy John surgery.

Ponce suffered an ACL sprain during his first start with the Blue Jays after signing during the 2025 offseason. Ponce’s knee buckled after attempting to field a Jake McCarthy ground ball. Ponce is set to undergo more testing to see if further action is required, but the 31-year-old’s first season with the Blue Jays is in jeopardy.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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