Blue Jays Injury Updates: Guerrero, Giménez, Smith, Yesavage, Taillon, Mantiply

Trade deadline acquisition Spencer Arrighetti came off the injured list and made his Blue Jays debut on Friday. Unfortunately, the right-hander took the loss, as he gave up three runs in 3.1 innings against the Yankees. He walked two and allowed a tough-luck home run to Spencer Jones; according to Statcast, it wouldn't have left the yard in almost any other stadium. 

It's clear the Blue Jays like Arrighetti's stuff. Manager John Schneider said as much after yesterday's game, and MLB.com's Keegan Matheson reports that the Jays "want Arrighetti to take the No. 5 job and run with it." If he can do that, it would make a huge difference for a rotation that has been plagued by injuries (not to mention a bullpen that has been heavily overworked) all year. 

On the position player side of things, center fielder Brett Bateman (acquired in the Kevin Gausman trade) appears to have avoided an IL stint of his own. The rookie exited early on Wednesday with a right hamstring issue. He sat out Thursday, but he returned to Toronto's lineup on Friday and played the best game of his young career. Bateman went 3-for-5 with a double, a triple, and a run scored.

Here's a quick rundown of some more injured Blue Jays who could return to help the team down the stretch. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is eligible to return from the seven-day concussion IL today. All signs suggest he's feeling well enough to do so. The first baseman played a rehab game on Friday for Single-A Dunedin. He reached base in all three of his plate appearances, hitting a double and drawing two walks.

It's always best to err on the safe side when it comes to concussions, but the Jays will certainly be glad to have their superstar back after a minimum stint on the IL. He's been having a disappointing season, but no one on this roster can make as big of a difference as Vladdy when he's at his best. 

Andrés Giménez

Andrés Giménez left early on Thursday. He appeared to injure his right hamstring while running to first base. While he did not play on Friday, the Blue Jays seem optimistic about his condition. John Schneider told reporters that Giménez would not need an MRI (at least for now), which suggests an IL stint is unlikely.

Hopefully, the shortstop's condition continues to improve. He doesn't contribute much with the bat, but he leads the team in stolen bases, outs above average, and – because of his baserunning and defense – FanGraphs WAR.

Josh Smith

The same day the Blue Jays reinstated Arrighetti from the IL, they placed another trade deadline acquisition on the shelf. Utility player Josh Smith injured his left hamstring on Wednesday. He'll be out until at least August 30. John Schneider told Sportsnet's Hazel Mae that Smith "didn't feel great" and would need an MRI, although he didn't seem especially concerned about a serious issue. 

In place of Smith, the Blue Jays recalled Davis Schneider for another stint in Toronto. Despite his sharp eye at the plate, Schneider has struggled to make any kind of impact in the majors this year. 

Trey Yesavage

Trey Yesavage had surgery to repair a tear in his left meniscus earlier this month, but remarkably, the Blue Jays believe he might be able to pitch again in 2026. He reportedly started playing catch this week, so he still has a ways to go in his rehab efforts. Yet, it appears he's moving in the right direction. 

The rookie might not make much of an impact for the rest of the regular season, but if Toronto can sneak into the playoffs, he could be this team's secret weapon for a second year in a row. 

Jameson Taillon

Jameson Taillon only made two appearances for Toronto before the curse of the 2026 Blue Jays rotation caught up to him. The veteran landed on the IL with right forearm tendinitis on August 11. 

The Blue Jays haven't given us a ton of information about the severity of Taillon's injury or his timeline to return. However, according to Sportnet's Arden Zwelling, Taillon "felt good" after throwing a bullpen session this week. He will throw another one tomorrow or Monday. If all goes well, a rehab assignment is hopefully the next step. 

Joe Mantiply

Joe Mantiply was a pleasant surprise for the Blue Jays in April and May, pitching to a 2.04 ERA in 17.2 innings, striking out 16 and walking only four. Then a knee injury forced him to the IL. After three months, Mantiply returned to a mound this week, making a rehab appearance for Dunedin. He threw a scoreless inning, striking out one. According to Zwelling, the southpaw is feeling good. He might only need a couple more rehab outings (likely with Buffalo) before he's back in the Blue Jays' bullpen.