The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Tuesday, that Alejandro Kirk had a screw placed in his left thumb, and will miss significant time on the injured list.
According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk had a screw placed in his left thumb and is expected to miss at least six weeks.
Alejandro Kirk had a screw placed in his thumb.
“The timeline is looking like six weeks,” John Schneider said. #BlueJays
Kirk’s six-week absence is a major blow to the Blue Jays lineup
Kirk was injured in last Friday’s loss to the Chicago White Sox in the 10th inning when a foul tip clipped his catching hand behind the plate.
Kirk’s thumb was dislocated on the play, as well, with the fracture coming near his knuckle.
He was placed on the 10-day injured list last Saturday, and rookie backstop Brandon Valenzuela was recalled from triple-A Buffalo.
Kirk was slashing .150/.227/.350 with one home run through his first five games of the season.
Kirk’s absence is a major blow to Toronto’s lineup. The 27-year old All-Star has been one of the team’s most consistent offensive contributors in recent years, known for his contact hitting and ability to control the strike zone.
Without Kirk, Toronto has had to adjust both offensively and defensively. His ability to lengthen the lineup and provide situational hitting has been noticeably missed during the team’s recent skid.
In the meantime, the Blue Jays will look to snap their losing streak when they face the Dodgers on Tuesday night.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 pm ET, with the game expected to be broadcast on Sportsnet and MLB Network.
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Previously on Blue Jays Central
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U.S. media reacts to Toronto Blue Jays dismal start, rotation injury concerns