Blue Jays Injury Updates: Bateman, Cease, Guerrero

[Leo Morgenstern]

The Blue Jays lost to the Orioles on Monday, falling to 3.5 back in the Wild Card race with five games left in their season. If there was a silver lining to last night's events, it was seeing Trey Yesavage pitch the first two innings; he struck out three and generated six whiffs. The righty had not pitched since August 4, when he exited early with a knee injury. This was, in all likelihood, the final outing of his rookie season, but it was reassuring to see him back on the mound for the Jays. Hopefully, he can have a normal offseason and prepare for a full, healthy campaign in 2027.

Here's a quick update on some other Blue Jays dealing with injuries during the final week of the season.

Brett Bateman

Brett Bateman made a sliding catch to end the second inning on Monday. Unfortunately, he landed and rolled over awkwardly on the wet grass in center field. It quickly became clear from his face that something was wrong.

The good news is that Bateman's X-rays were negative. The team is calling the injury "right hip discomfort." According to manager John Schneider, Bateman is day-to-day for now (per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com). The Jays will want to exercise caution here, but from Schneider's comments, I'm optimistic Bateman will play again before the season is over.

Dylan Cease

I'm less optimistic about this one. Dylan Cease would have been lined up to start on Wednesday in Baltimore, but that won't be happening. His shoulder has been bothering him, and a recent MRI revealed inflammation. 

Speaking to reporters, including Matheson, Cease described the feeling in his shoulder as "heavy and achy." The righty made it clear that it's "just inflammation" – in other words, he's not concerned he'll need surgery. Still, the Blue Jays have to do everything in their power to keep it from getting to that point.

So, if I'm being realistic, I think we've seen the last of Cease in 2026. Presuming the team has been eliminated from postseason contention by the time the Jays return to Toronto for their final series, I don't see why they wouldn't shut Cease down. Ensuring that he's healthy for 2027 is just too important. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left Sunday's game early and did not play last night. He has been nursing some tightness in his lower back. As John Schneider explained, "[Guerrero] was not really getting his normal swing off" on Sunday (per Matheson).

Thankfully, this one seems to be another day-to-day situation. Schneider told reporters that "as long as [Guerrero] feels better and isn’t really uncomfortable swinging," he should be back in the Blue Jays' lineup soon.

Anthony Santander

Things are coming down to the wire for Anthony Santander. The outfielder has been on the injured list all season recovering from shoulder surgery. He's currently on a rehab assignment, and he just played for the Buffalo Bisons in their final three games of the season, going 3-for-10 with four walks and two runs scored. Now, we just have to wait and see if the Jays decide to reinstate him for a brief cameo in 2026. 

Shane Bieber

The Blue Jays are technically still alive in the postseason race. If they somehow make it to the playoffs, Shane Bieber – who's been out since August 20 with teres major inflammation – might be available. However, his regular season is over.

View full article