Alejandro Kirk Returns To Blue Jays, But Daulton Varsho On Injured List

[Steve Drumwright]

 

The Captain is back, but the center fielder is down for a bit.

In a busy day of transactions, catcher Alejandro Kirk was activated from the 10-day injured list and center fielder Daulton Varsho went on the 10-day IL with left wrist inflammation. Catcher Tyler Heineman was designated for assignment to make room for Kirk on the 26-man roster, while outfielder Davis Schneider was called up from Triple-A Buffalo.

Also, right-hander Yariel Rodriguez cleared waivers after being DFA'd and was outrighted to Triple-A, while right-handed reliever Yimi Garcia had his rehab assignment moved to Buffalo.

Kirk has been out since April 4 with a fractured left thumb. He played six games in the minors on a rehab assignment before returning.

Heineman was a casualty due to the play of rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela, who has slashed .252/.333/.457 with seven homers and 18 RBIS in 46 games since making his MLB debut this season. He was acquired from the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline for infielder Will Wagner. Heineman, meanwhile, had a .154/.205/.205 slash line with a homer and six RBIs in 33 games.

Varsho had hoped to avoid going on the IL and took batting practice before Wednesday's game, but obviously was not ready to play in a game. Varsho, a terrific defender, has a slash line of .256/.331/.408, including five homers and 17 RBIs in 64 games.

Schneider was demoted due to struggling on offense with a .127/.295/.211 slash line in 38 games. He hasn't been much better in 14 games at Buffalo, where he has slashed .188/.550/.219.

Rodriguez was DFA'd Monday and was not claimed, not surprising considering he is owed the prorated portion of his $7 million salary this year and $14 million more the next two.

Garcia is close to returning, perhaps needing only one or two appearances at Triple-A before being activated. He has been out since spring training last year after having surgery on his right ulnar nerve and right AC joint.

 

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