Hatch, Kirk, Springer and Other Blue Jay Injury Updates

The Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the most injured teams in baseball, but help may soon be on the way.

Toronto has over 10 players currently on the IL, and Manager Charlie Montoyo provided an update on some of the team's ailments.

Players who have yet to suit up for the Blue Jays this season, like Thomas Hatch and Patrick Murphy, may be nearing a return as both are ramping up workloads.

Hatch, who posted a 2.73 ERA in 26.1 innings of relief last season, will be stretched out this season, Montoyo said.

“We’re thinking of him to be one of our starters whenever he’s ready,” Montoyo told the media.

While players on the 60 day IL like Julian Merryweather and Alejandro Kirk are participating in baseball activities, it will still a while before Jays fans will see them back at the major league level. Kirk will be eligible for activation in July and Merryweather can return in mid-June at the earliest.

Full Injury Updates:

RP Anthony Castro: Forearm tightness, hoping to have another bullpen this weekend

SP Thomas Hatch: Elbow (60 Day IL), 2-3 innings at development complex on Thursday

INF Joe Panik: Calf strain, hitting in the cage and taking ground balls

OF George Springer: Quad strain, hitting in the cage Wednesday and will run

RP Rafael Dolis: Calf, hoping to throw a bullpen by Friday

RP David Phelps: Lat, waiting on MRI results

C Alejandro Kirk: Hip flexor (60 Day IL), hitting off a tee and throwing

RP Julian Merryweather: Oblique Strain (60 Day IL), currently long tossing as he works through his throwing program

P Patrick Murphy: Shoulder (60 Day IL), 18 pitch bullpen Tuesday, hoping to have another later this week