Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk has a fractured left thumb and will be hitting the injured list, according to MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson.
In his absence, the team has called up catcher Brandon Valenzuela.
News: Alejandro Kirk has a fractured left thumb.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) April 4, 2026
He’s going to the IL. Brandon Valenzuela up. #BlueJays
Kirk was struck on the thumb of his glove (left) hand on a foul tip off the bat of Chicago White Sox outfielder Austin Hays in the 10th inning of Friday’s series opener. The ball bounced behind home plate and ricocheted with heavy spin, hitting his hand area. The Blue Jays training staff raced onto the field and Kirk walked off with them, holding the injured hand, after removing himself.
According to Matheson, the Blue Jays won’t have a real timeline of return for Kirk until he meets with a specialist on Monday.
The #BlueJays won't have a real timeline on Alejandro Kirk until after he meets with the specialist Monday. That will narrow down exactly which treatment and recovery they're dealing with.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) April 4, 2026
Until then: I'd let my dog do my taxes before listening to a Twitter Doctor.
In 20 at bats in 2026, the 27-year-old has three hits, one home run, and two RBI.
Valenzuela, 25, started the season in Triple-A and has been recalled in Kirk’s place.
In 113 games across Double-A and Triple-A last season, Valenzuela recorded 94 hits, 15 home runs, with a .224 batting average.
Valenzuela was acquired from the San Diego Padres in July of 2025 in exchange for infielder Will Wagner. He has yet to make his big league debut.
