Blue Jays make a flurry of roster moves ahead of critical series

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Blue Jays make a flurry of roster moves ahead of critical series against Orioles

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Sep 21, 2026 4:25 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a flurry of roster moves ahead of Monday's series against the Baltimore Orioles. They will be kicking off a pivotal three-game series that will determine their fate of clinching a final AL wild-card spot.

The most significant roster move is the return of rookie starting pitcher Trey Yesavage from the 15-day injury list. Yesavage had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee that occurred on Aug. 4 during a warm up.

Yesavage will take the mound for the Blue Jays in the first game of the series against the Orioles' Shane Baz, looking to provide stability in a heavily taxed rotation.

In addition, the Blue Jays have recalled right-handed pitcher Chad Dallas from Triple-A Buffalo and have optioned right-handed pitcher Spencer Arrighetti to the Spring Training Complex. Lastly, the Blue Jays have also designated left-handed pitcher Joe Mantiply for assignment to make room on the roster for Yesavage.

ROSTER MOVES:

RHP Chad Dallas recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight

RHP Trey Yesavage reinstated from the 15-day IL and will start tonight

RHP Spencer Arrighetti optioned to the Spring Training Complex

LHP Joe Mantiply designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/6ZQ1weGFfW
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 21, 2026

Blue Jays trying to salvage a postseason berth

Since Arrighetti joined the Blue Jays, his inability to provide clean outings has continued to be a problem. Across 22.2 innings pitched, he has logged a 2-4 record with a 6.35 ERA with six home runs given up.

The Blue Jays sit three games back in the AL wild-card race and their margin for error is limited with only six games remaining. Arrighetti has cost the team critical games in a tight postseason race, which forced it to option him amid his struggles.

When it comes to Manitply, while he compiled a strong 3.33 ERA across 27 innings this season, he has shown some struggles since returning from knee surgery. Since his return, he has allowed six runs across 9 and 1/3 innings pitched since Sept. 1.

Dallas provides the team with a fresh arm and pitching depth and will be available to pitch out of the bullpen on Monday since Yesavage is slated to only pitch about three innings.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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