Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) hits a double during a Major League Baseball game against the White Sox on April 3, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

By The Canadian Press

Blue Jays catcher Kirk to undergo surgery to repair thumb fracture

Apr 6, 2026 | 2:41 PM

TORONTO — Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk will undergo surgery to repair a left thumb fracture after taking a foul tip to his catching hand in a game last week.

Manager John Schneider said specifics on a recovery timeline won’t be known until after Tuesday’s procedure, but he expected it would likely be an absence of at least three-to-six weeks.

“It’s nothing with the ligament, it’s a fractured thumb,” Schneider said Monday. “So we’ll see when they get in there.”

Kirk was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday. Kirk left a game against the Chicago White Sox on Friday night immediately after Austin Hays fouled a pitch off his glove.

In addition to the fracture, Kirk’s thumb was dislocated. Tyler Heineman has filled in since his departure along with recent triple-A call-up Brandon Valenzuela.

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Kirk, a two-time all-star, hit .282 last season with 15 homers and 76 runs-batted in. He had three hits in 20 at-bats to start this season.

“What he can do on both sides of the ball is pretty unique,” Schneider said in a media availability before a night game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Whether it’s contact, home runs, catching, blocking, throwing, just (his) superpower is (that) he’s just so steady.”

Kirk, 27, played for Mexico at the World Baseball Classic last month. He made his big-league debut with the Blue Jays in 2020.

“It’s tough for sure, but we’ve got to have guys step up,” Schneider said.

Also on Monday, the Blue Jays selected left-hander Josh Fleming to the major-league roster and designated right-hander Austin Voth for assignment.

Schneider also said an update on injured right-hander Cody Ponce (knee) was expected Tuesday after he meets with doctors in Los Angeles.

Ponce, who’s on the 60-day IL, sprained the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a March 30 game against the Colorado Rockies.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 6, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Blue Jays catcher Kirk to undergo surgery to repair thumb fracture

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