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Kazuma Okamoto Scratched With Knee Contusion
Toronto Blue Jays corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto (knee) was scratched from Monday's starting lineup against the division-rival Boston Red Sox due to a left-knee contusion, according to the team. After being called up from Triple-A Buffalo, Charles McAdoo will start at third base for Toronto and bat seventh against Red Sox veteran right-hander Sonny Gray. It doesn't sound like Okamoto's knee injury is all that serious, so hopefully he can avoid going on the injured list. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday to see if he's active for Game 2 of the series in Toronto. Overall, it's been a very strong first year in the big leagues for Okamoto, who comes into Monday's series opener hitting .225/.299/.429 with a .728 OPS, 24 home runs, 70 RBI, 61 runs, and a stolen base across his 116 games and 475 plate appearances. The 30-year-old Japanese right-handed slugger has a strikeout rate over 30%, though, and has been swinging and missing more in the second half of the season. Still, he leads Toronto in homers, RBI, and runs scored, and remains a must-start in most fantasy baseball leagues when he's in the lineup.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
George Springer Back in Monday's Lineup Against Red Sox
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (shoulder) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup for Monday's series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox and right-hander Sonny Gray, per MLB.com. Springer was held out of the final two games of the series over the weekend against the Philadelphia Phillies due to a left-shoulder injury, but he's back in the starting nine to begin the new week against a pitcher with whom he is very familiar. The 36-year-old has hit .296 with a .943 OPS, two home runs, and five RBI in 27 career at-bats against Gray. Fantasy managers are hoping that will help Springer get out of a funk at the plate. In his first nine games in August, he's gone 6-for-27 (.222) with a .633 OPS, zero home runs, a double, a triple, two RBI, three runs, one steal, three walks, and five strikeouts in 30 plate appearances. The four-time All-Star turned back the clock in 2025 with 32 homers, 84 RBI, and 18 steals during the regular season, but he has come back to Earth in 2026 with a .234/.317/.396 slash line, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and eight steals in 88 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
George Springer Out Again With Shoulder Injury
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (shoulder) is out of the starting lineup for the second straight game on Sunday against the hosting Philadelphia Phillies due to a left-shoulder injury, according to MLB.com. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will serve as the DH on Sunday and hit second, with Kazuma Okamoto playing first and hitting cleanup for the Jays against Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo. The Blue Jays scratched Springer from their lineup on Saturday in Philly, but he came in as a pinch-runner in the extra-inning win, suggesting that his injury is merely a day-to-day situation, so he could return to the starting lineup as early as Monday's series opener at home against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. The 36-year-old four-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner surprised many folks when he hit 32 homers, drove in 84, and stole 18 bases in 140 regular-season games last year, but he's showing signs of offensive decline in 2026, as he enters Sunday's action with a .234/.317/.396 slash line, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and eight stolen bases across his 87 games in his 13th year in the big leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
George Springer Scratched on Saturday With Shoulder Tightness
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (shoulder) has been scratched from Saturday's starting lineup against the hosting Philadelphia Phillies due to tightness in his left shoulder, per Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Springer has been dealing with shoulder tightness for the last couple of days. With Springer starting on the bench, outfielder Jesus Sanchez will serve as Toronto's designated hitter and bat cleanup against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola at Citizens Bank Park. Springer's injury doesn't sound all that serious, but don't be surprised if he's held out again in Sunday's series finale in Philly as a precaution. The Jays start a new series back at home on Monday against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. The four-time All-Star hasn't had quite the bounce-back season he had in 2025, as he's hitting just .234/.317/.396 with a .714 OPS, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, 40 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across 86 games and 378 plate appearances in 2026. Springer did, however, hit .290 (18-for-62) with four homers, two doubles, 13 RBI, nine runs scored, and a steal in 16 games in the month of July.
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Returns From Hamstring Injury on Saturday
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (hamstring) is back at first base and is batting third in the batting order for Saturday's contest on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola at Citizens Bank Park, per MLB.com. Guerrero is back for the Jays after sitting out the last three games due to tightness in his hamstring, an injury that has cropped up several times this year. The 27-year-old six-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner has been one of the league's biggest fantasy baseball busts in 2026, as he enters Saturday's action with a .259/.338/.349 slash line, .687 OPS, only six home runs, 44 RBI, 56 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 108 games across 456 plate appearances. Vladdy hasn't spent time on the injured list, but one has to wonder how healthy he's been this year while seeing a massive drop-off in the power department. He hit under .200 with just one homer in 23 games in June, and he hasn't hit more than two homers in any month this season. Fantasy managers are just hoping Guerrero can come alive for the stretch run. He'll face Nola on Saturday, a pitcher he has a home run and two RBI against in eight career at-bats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brett Bateman Gets the Call as Blue Jays Promote Outfield Prospect
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Brett Bateman was called up from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Toronto acquired the 24-year-old from the Cubs in the Kevin Gausman trade earlier this week. Bateman has hit .311 with a .429 on-base percentage, three home runs, 33 RBI, 61 runs, and 20 stolen bases in 293 Triple-A at-bats this season. Power isn't a big part of his game, but the contact skills, patience, and speed give him a path to fantasy value if Toronto gives him regular at-bats. With Daulton Varsho no longer in the picture, Bateman is worth a look in AL-only and 15-team leagues, with added appeal in OBP formats. Managers in standard 12-team leagues can monitor his playing time before making the move.
Source: Keegan Matheson
Source: Keegan Matheson
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Remains Out Friday
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (hamstring) remains out of the starting lineup Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies, marking his third straight absence. Guerrero last played Tuesday against the Houston Astros, going 0-for-3 with a walk before sitting Wednesday and Thursday. Manager John Schneider said earlier this week that Guerrero had been dealing with hamstring tightness but did not expect the issue to require a trip to the injured list. The 27-year-old is batting .259 with six home runs and 44 RBI this season. Kazuma Okamoto will start at first base Friday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dylan Cease Continues Excellent Season, Strikes Out 10 in Chicago
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease continued his amazing first season with the Jays at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, throwing seven shutout innings with two hits allowed, one walk, and 10 strikeouts to lower his season ERA to 2.28, which ranks second in the American League, behind only the Yankees' Cam Schlittler. Cease was handed a no-decision in the eventual 3-2 extra-inning loss after closer Louis Varland gave up a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to third baseman Alex Bregman. The 30-year-old hurler has been electric in 2026, and he's been especially hard to hit since the beginning of July, having allowed just four earned runs with 56 strikeouts in his six starts over that span. In addition to being second in the AL in ERA, Cease leads the league with his 184 strikeouts and is second in all of baseball. Cease will face Boston for the fourth time this year in his next outing. He's 2-1 against them with a sharp 1.83 ERA, 10 walks, and 24 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings. In his last meeting against them, he threw a one-hitter. Obviously, Cease has been a no-brainer must-start in all fantasy baseball leagues in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Trey Yesavage has Meniscus Injury, Surgery Could be an Option
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that right-hander Trey Yesavage (knee) is dealing with a meniscus injury in his left knee and will visit with a specialist on Monday to determine his next steps, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Surgery "is always a possibility" when a player sees a specialist, per Schneider, but "we're obviously hoping to avoid that." Going under the knife would almost certainly cut the 23-year-old's first full season in the big leagues in 2026 short. The Blue Jays pulled the East Carolina product from his start early on Tuesday against the Houston Astros and then placed him on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday. Even if Yesavage avoids surgery, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him back in two weeks. The former 20th overall pick in 2024 continues to struggle to refine his command with an 11.9% walk rate while going 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA (4.08 FIP), 1.14 WHIP, and 91:46 K:BB in 93 2/3 frames across his 18 starts. Keep Yesavage stashed unless we find out that he needs season-ending knee surgery.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Remains Out of Blue Jays Lineup on Thursday
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (hamstring) remains out of his team's lineup for the second straight game on Thursday. Guerrero Jr. has been in and out of the Toronto lineup since exiting early from a game on July 28 due to hamstring tightness. While the Blue Jays have not indicated that their star first baseman will require a trip to the injured list, it's obviously a concern for fantasy managers that Guerrero Jr. will get a second straight day off on Thursday. It's been a frustrating year overall for the 27-year-old, who is hitting .259/.338/.349 with six home runs, 44 RBI, 55 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across 456 plate appearances. With Guerrero Jr. out of the lineup, the Blue Jays have shifted third baseman Kazuma Okamoto across the diamond to first base and used infielders Ernie Clement and Josh Smith to cover the hot corner.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Blue Jays Place Trey Yesavage on Injured List With Knee Inflammation
The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that they placed right-hander Trey Yesavage (knee) on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his left knee and recalled right-handed pitchers Lazaro Estrada and Chase Lee from Triple-A Buffalo in corresponding moves. Yesavage will miss at least the next two weeks after being pulled from his start early on Tuesday against the Houston Astros when he felt a pinch in his left knee. The 23-year-old former first-rounder from East Carolina University doesn't appear to be dealing with any structural damage, so it's realistic to think he could be ready to roll once he's eligible to return to Toronto's starting rotation in 15 days. In 18 starts (93 2/3 innings) in 2026 in his first full MLB campaign, Yesavage has gone 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA (4.08 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 91 strikeouts and 46 walks. Fantasy managers should be stashing Yesavage in all fantasy formats for his strikeout upside. Yesavage's elevated 11.8% walk rate in his first two MLB seasons has kept him from reaching his ceiling.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Trey Yesavage Pulled With Knee Discomfort on Tuesday
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Trey Yesavage (knee) left his start early on Tuesday against the Houston Astros with discomfort in his left knee, according to Blue Jays reporter Hazel Mae. Manager John Schneider said Yesavage will go for an MRI exam on Wednesday after feeling a pinch in his knee. Yesavage only made it through two innings on Tuesday, not allowing a run while walking one and striking out none. We won't know whether the 23-year-old will have to go on the injured list until the results of his MRI come back. The former 20th overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft out of East Carolina University quickly rose through the minor leagues last year to make his big-league debut at the tail end of the regular season before showing his strikeout upside in Toronto's postseason run to the World Series. In his first full major-league season in 2026, Yesavage has gone 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA (4.08 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 91 strikeouts and 46 walks in 93 2/3 innings across 18 starts. He hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in his four starts since the All-Star break, but fantasy managers would love to see his 11.9% walk rate come down.
Source: Hazel Mae
Source: Hazel Mae
Jose Soriano Scheduled to Make Blue Jays Debut on Friday
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that starting pitcher Jose Soriano will make his debut with the team on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Toronto acquired Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for three prospects on Monday. The 27-year-old has had a strong 2026 season to this point, recording a 9-6 record with a 3.29 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts across 123 innings (22 starts). Soriano struggles with command (11.2% walk rate), but he generates ground balls with his power sinker and is very difficult to take deep (0.88 HR/9). He also brings plus velocity with his fastballs, so Toronto may be able to help unlock a new level of strikeout production from its new right-hander.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Twins Add Jeff Hoffman to Bullpen Mix at Trade Deadline
The Minnesota Twins have acquired right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. In exchange for Hoffman, Minnesota sent out a trio of prospects in pitchers Dasan Hill and John Klein, as well as infielder Dameury Pena. Hoffman opened 2026 as the closer in Toronto, but early-season struggles led to him being removed from the role. However, the 33-year-old has turned it on over the last two months, allowing just three earned runs while recording 30 strikeouts across 22 1/3 innings since the start of June. For the season overall, Hoffman has posted a stellar 34.9% strikeout rate to go along with six wins, 12 holds, and five saves. In Minnesota, Hoffman could have a chance to re-emerge as a primary ninth-inning option. Particularly in deeper leagues, he profiles as a worthy waiver-wire target for fantasy managers in need of saves.
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Astros Bring in Outfielder Daulton Varsho in Trade With Toronto
The Houston Astros acquired center fielder Daulton Varsho from the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. The Athletic's Mitch Bannon reports that the Astros sent right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (foot) to the Blue Jays in return for Varsho. The 30-year-old Varsho has been a disappointment at the plate this year in Toronto, but he will immediately bolster the Astros' defense in the outfield. In 333 at-bats in 2026 in his seventh year in the majors (fourth with the Blue Jays), Varsho hit a very mediocre .243/.307/.375 with a .682 OPS, seven home runs, 26 RBI, 39 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 99 games across 365 plate appearances. He will be set to reach free agency at the end of the 2026 season, so he might turn out to be just a rental for Houston's playoff run. The former second-rounder by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee really struggled in July, going 17-for-83 (.205) with a .482 OPS, zero homers, three doubles, four RBI, eight runs scored, two steals, four walks, and 10 strikeouts in 24 games. Houston will be hoping that Varsho can be better than that at the plate going forward.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
