Blue Jays Call Up Valenzuela After Kirk's Injury

It's April 4th. Welcome to MLB News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story.

Blue Jays fans got some bad news over the weekend.

Catcher Alejandro Kirk landed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left thumb

after Friday's 5-4 loss to the white socks.

In a quick move, they called a prospect Brandon Balenzuela from AAA Buffalo to feel the spot.

The injury hit on a foul tip off Austin Hayes' bat.

It clipped the bottom of Kirk's glove, sending a jolt through his hand.

He shook it off at first, but grabbed his thumb and headed straight to the trainer with the staff.

Kirk's one of the top catchers in the game, shining on both offense and defense.

Last season, he batted 282 with 15 home runs and a 769 OPS,

earning his second All-Star nod while handling 100.

11 games behind the plate, losing him hurts deep.

Balenzuela, the team's number 24 prospect, joined via trade from the Padres last year.

His glove work and rocket arm got him here fast, and if his back clicks,

he could stick as a long-term backup for Heinemann.

The Jays now lean on Balenzuela to steady the ship at least short-term while Kirk

men's keeping their playoff push alive without missing a beat.