Blue Jays place catcher Alejandro Kirk on injured list with fractured thumb

Toronto Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk (30) hits a one-run double during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays placed catcher Alejandro Kirk on the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Kirk fractured his left thumb in the 10th inning of Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Chicago’s Austin Hays fouled a pitch off the Toronto catcher’s glove. Kirk immediately left the game and was replaced by Tyler Heineman.

The 27-year-old Kirk had X-rays after the game.

Heineman was to get the start in Saturday afternoon’s rematch against the White Sox.

The Blue Jays recalled Brandon Valenzuela from triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Kirk earned his second all-star appearance in 2025 when he batted .282, hit 15 home runs and posted a .769 in on-base slugging.

He had one home run and three hits in 20 at-bats to start this season.

Also Saturday, Toronto acquired infielder Tyler Fitzgerald from the San Francisco Giants for cash. The 28-year-old was optioned to Buffalo.

He played 72 games for the Giants in 2025. Fitzgerald hit .217 with 10 doubles, a triple, four home runs, 14 RBI and nine stolen bases, while recording seven defensive runs saved at second base.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press