Toronto Blue Jays Transactions

Sunday, January 15

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays and infielder Santiago Espinal agreed to a one-year, $2.1 million deal to avoid salary arbitration. The 28-year-old has established himself as a vital component of the Blue Jays organization as a utility infielder. He spent the bulk of 2022 at second base but also saw some reps at shortstop and third. His bat has become a weapon after slashing .267/.322/.370 with a .692 OPS that earned him an all-star spot. Although the Blue Jays acquired Whit Merrifield last season, Merrifield had no issue getting some outfield reps. If Espinal can match the numbers he posted this past season, he should be a solid fantasy option with position eligibility at second, shortstop, and third base in 2023.

Friday, January 13

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays and catcher/outfielder Daulton Varsho avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.05 million deal on Friday. The Blue Jays upgraded their outfield depth and added a much-needed left-handed bat to their potent lineup when they acquired Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason. In just his third big-league season in 2022 with the D-backs, he hit .235/.302/.443 with a .745 OPS, career-high 27 home runs, 74 RBI, 79 runs scored and 16 stolen bases in 592 plate appearances and 151 games played. The 26-year-old provides defensive versatility at catcher and in left field, but he's expected to be Toronto's regular left fielder in 2023. The power-speed combination and the move to one of the better lineups in baseball have skyrocketed Varsho's fantasy value heading into next season.
		The Toronto Blue Jays and infielder Cavan Biggio avoided salary arbitration on Friday by coming to an agreement on a one-year, $2.8 million deal. The 27-year-old son of former second baseman Craig Biggio hit just .202/.318/.350 with a career-low .668 OPS, six home runs, 24 RBI, 43 runs scored and two stolen bases in 303 plate appearances and 97 games for the blue Jays in 2022. Biggio has regressed since his rookie season with Toronto in 2019 and has slashed a weak .213/.320/.353 with 13 home runs, 51 RBI and five stolen bases combined in the last two seasons. But he still will have fantasy appeal in deep mixed and AL-only leagues as a utility infielder in a strong Blue Jays lineup heading into next season.

Wednesday, January 11

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays signed free-agent right-hander Jay Jackson to a minor-league deal on Wednesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Jackson became a free agent in November after he was outrighted to the minors by the Atlanta Braves. The 35-year-old only pitched in 1 1/3 innings at the major-league level in 2022 for the Braves, and he has a 4.21 ERA (4.16 FIP) and 1.32 WHIP with 80 strikeouts and 31 walks in 57 2/3 innings over 59 career MLB appearances (one start) over four seasons. Jackson will attempt to win a major-league roster spot out of spring training for Toronto as low-leverage bullpen depth.

Tuesday, January 10

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays and free-agent first baseman Brandon Belt reportedly agreed to a one-year, $9.3 million deal Monday, per The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath. The agreement has yet to be made official. In his 12-year career with the San Francisco Giants, Belt slashed a respectable .261/.356/.458. However, he only managed a .213/.326/.350 slash line with eight home runs and 23 RBI in 298 plate appearances as he dealt with a right knee injury in 2022. The 34-year-old will add a left-handed bat to a strong Blue Jays lineup and will offer depth at first base and designated hitter. The lineup switch is an upgrade for Belt, making him worth a late-round flyer despite his injury concerns.
		The Toronto Blue Jays acquired right-hander Zach Thompson from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto announced in a tweet from the team's official Twitter account on Tuesday. The Blue Jays traded outfield prospect Chavez Young to Pittsburgh for Thompson. The 28-year-old pitcher made 29 appearances for the Pirates last season, 22 of which were starts. He posted a 5.18 ERA and a 4.87 FIP in 121.2 innings of work while logging 90 strikeouts compared to 46 walks allowed. He'll give Toronto some additional rotation depth after the likes of Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, Hyun Jin Ryu, and Yusei Kikuchi. The Blue Jays designated right-hander Junior Fernandez for assignment to make room for Thompson on the team's 40-man roster.

Thursday, January 05

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays claimed right-hander Junior Fernandez off waivers from the New York Yankees on Thursday. Fernandez has had a tumultuous couple of months, spending time with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Yankees since last September. The 25-year-old Dominican spent the 2022 season with the Cardinals and Pirates, appearing in 16 games (18 2/3 relief innings) while posting a strong 2.41 ERA (5.79 FIP), 1.61 WHIP, 14 strikeouts and 12 walks. Fernandez has a big arm but has struggled with walks in both the minors and majors. In his four big-league seasons, he has a 5.17 ERA (5.57 FIP), 1.72 WHIP and 18.7 percent strikeout rate in 50 relief appearances. Toronto is the latest team to take a chance on him for relief depth.

Thursday, December 29

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays signed hard-throwing right-hander Julian Fernandez to a minor-league deal on Thursday, according to a source. The 27-year-old relief pitcher spent the 2022 season at Triple-A Albuquerque and was prone to giving up the long ball. He spent the 2021 season with the Colorado Rockies and averaged 99 mph with his fastball while topping out at 103 mph. Fernandez recently pitched in the Dominican Winter League. Fernandez finished with a 6.63 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 32 walks and 65 strikeouts while allowing 15 home runs in 57 innings over 58 relief appearances at Albuquerque last season. If he can somehow figure out his control and limit the long balls, Fernandez could find his way back to the majors with Toronto in 2023.

Wednesday, December 28

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu (elbow) said he is right on schedule in his rehab from Tommy John surgery that he had in June and is targeting a return in July. He spent the last month in Korea with his family and will now continue his rehab back in the United States. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect the 35-year-old southpaw back until the second half of the 2023 season. Ryu gave up 17 earned runs on 32 hits while walking four and striking out 16 in six starts (27 innings) before needing season-ending surgery on his left elbow in 2022. He had an ERA below 3.00 in his first year in Toronto but has regressed in the last two years before ultimately succumbing to Tommy John surgery. The aging left-hander will be a shaky fantasy bet in the second half next season.

Friday, December 23

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays acquired catcher/outfielder Daulton Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday in exchange for catching prospect Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., according to sources. The 26-year-old Varsho should see significant time in the outfield with the move to Toronto, and the move to the American League East and a very hitter-friendly ballpark in a potent offense will all add to Varsho's fantasy appeal heading into next season. He hit .235/.302/.443 with 27 home runs, 74 RBI, 79 runs scored and 16 stolen bases in 531 at-bats in his first full big-league season in Arizona in 2022. He will still have catcher eligibility in 2022, but he'll likely lose it going into 2024. Still, Varsho's power/speed combination in Toronto's dangerous lineup looks extremely appealing in fantasy moving forward.

Tuesday, December 13

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays signed free-agent starting pitcher Chris Bassitt to a three-year, $63 million deal on Monday, pending a physical. Bassitt comes over from the New York Mets after going 15-9 with a 3.42 ERA (3.66 FIP), a 1.14 WHIP, 167 strikeouts and 49 walks in 181 2/3 innings over 30 starts in his lone season in Queens. The 33-year-old right-hander will boost a strong Toronto rotation in 2023 and beyond. Bassitt heads to another tough division in the American League East in a tough hitter's ballpark, but he was an All-Star in 2021 with the Oakland Athletics when he went 12-4 with a 3.15 ERA (3.34 FIP) and a 1.05 WHIP in 27 starts.

Saturday, December 10

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to an undisclosed deal with free-agent outfielder Kevin Kiermaier on Saturday, pending a physical, according to an industry source. Kiermaier will stay in the American League East after spending the last 10 years with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he hit .248/.308/.407 with 82 home runs, 316 RBI, 410 runs scored and 112 stolen bases in 914 regular season games. The 32-year-old became a free agent when the Rays declined his $13 million option for 2023. He played in just 63 games in 2022 before having hip surgery in August. Kiermaier has always been a an excellent center fielder (three Gold Gloves), but he has tailed off offensively in the last five seasons. He should be the starter in center field, which will move George Springer to a corner-outfield spot.

Wednesday, November 16

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays are acquiring reliever Erik Swanson and left-handed pitching prospect Adam Macko from the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday in exchange for outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. Swanson was a very reliable setup man for the Mariners last year, posting a 1.68 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, three saves, 14 holds, 70 walks and only 10 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old right-hander now moves to the tough American League East, where he'll be a setup man for closer Jordan Romano. Macko, 21, was ranked as Seattle's No. 8 prospect by MLB Pipeline before the trade. The young southpaw will be a long-term option for Toronto's rotation down the line. He made eight starts for High-A Everett in 2022, going 0-2 with a 3.99 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 60 strikeouts and 20 walks in 38 1/3 innings pitched.

Thursday, October 27

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (elbow) had surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow this week, and the team expects him to be fully recovered by spring training next year. Springer suffered a concussion and a sprained shoulder in the team's final postseason game in the Wild-Card Series against the Seattle Mariners after colliding with shortstop Bo Bichette. The 33-year-old should be fully recovered from those injuries by the start of spring training as well, and he'll once again be a highly coveted fantasy outfielder in 2023 drafts. The four-time All-Star finished his second year in Toronto with a .267/.342/.472 slash line, an .814 OPS, 22 doubles, 25 home runs, 76 RBI, 89 runs scored and 14 stolen bases in 133 games played.

Thursday, October 20

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (wrist) dealt with left wrist issues this year and underwent successful surgery on the wrist on Thursday with Dr. Graham in Ohio. Gurriel is expected to be ready for spring training next year. The 29-year-old Cuban outfielder missed the final month of the season due to a left hamstring strain and was left off the roster for the Wild-Card Series loss to the Seattle Mariners. Gurriel finished his 2022 season by hitting a strong .291/.343/.400 with five home runs, 52 RBI, 52 runs scored and three stolen bases in 493 plate appearances over 121 games. His five homers were the fewest in his fifth major league season, but perhaps his lingering wrist issue was to blame for the lack of pop.

Tuesday, October 11

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said that outfielder George Springer (concussion, shoulder) suffered a concussion and a shoulder sprain in the Game 2 loss to the Seattle Mariners in the Wild-Card Series last Saturday when he was involved in a scary collision with shortstop Bo Bichette. Springer remains in Toronto, but the team believes he'll be cleared to travel soon. The 33-year-old had to be carted off the field and likely wouldn't have been available if the series had gone to a deciding third game on Sunday. In the two games of the Wild-Card Series, Springer went 2-for-7 with three strikeouts. He finished the regular season with a .267/.342/.472 slash line, an .814 OPS, 25 home runs, 76 RBI, 89 runs scored and 14 stolen bases in 513 at-bats.

Sunday, October 09

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer exited Saturday's game early against the Seattle Mariners after colliding with shortstop Bo Bichette in the field. The 33-year-old waved to the crowd as he was carted off the field. Springer crashed down to the field after his head hit Bichette's arm. The severity of Springer's injury is unknown, and he's considered day-to-day. He was dealing with a wrist injury heading into Game 2 of the Wild Card round and suffered a new injury. Bichette managed to stay in the game. The Blue Jays lost the series to the Mariners 2-0; Springer will have an entire offseason to be ready for Spring Training.

Saturday, October 08

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (wrist) was hit by a pitch in the wrist during the first game of the Wild Card series on Friday against the Seattle Mariners. He ended up staying in the game and went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles. Test results came back negative, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, but Springer's status for game two on Saturday remains up in the air. The 33-year-old had another quality season with the bat, slashing .267/.342/.472 with 25 HRs, 89 runs, 76 RBI, and 14 SBs over 133 games, the most he's played in a season since 2018. Stay tuned for more updates.
		X-rays came back negative on Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer's wrist after he was hit by a pitch in the Game 1 loss to the Seattle Mariners in the American League Wild-Card Series on Friday, according to manager John Schneider. Springer was hit by the pitch in the eighth inning and managed to finish out the 4-0 shutout loss, but it remains to be seen if the 33-year-old outfielder will be in the lineup on Saturday as the Blue Jays look to avoid elimination at home. Springer managed to go 2-for-3 with the hit by pitch in his four plate appearances, and if he's unable to suit up in Game 2 on Saturday, it will be a huge loss for the Jays at the top of their lineup.
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (wrist) and infielder Santiago Espinal (oblique) are both in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the American League Wild-Card Series on Saturday against Seattle Mariners left-hander Robbie Ray. Springer is in center field and hitting leadoff, while Espinal is manning the keystone and batting ninth. Springer was hit by a pitch late in the Game 1 loss, but X-rays were negative and he'll be back in there after going 2-for-3 on Friday. Espinal missed the last couple weeks of regular season action due to an oblique issue, but he'll return to the lineup on Saturday as Toronto looks to avoid elimination. The 27-year-old All-Star hit .267/.322/.370 with seven homers, 51 RBI, 51 runs and six steals in 135 games in 2022.

Friday, October 07

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays left outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (hamstring) off their roster for the Wild-Card Series against the Seattle Mariners this weekend. Gurriel isn't healthy enough to play in the first round of the playoffs for the Jays. In Gurriel's place, the team decided to carry an extra catcher in Gabriel Moreno. It remains to be seen if Gurriel will be ready to return for the AL Division Series against the Houston Astros if they advance past the Mariners. Gurriel hasn't played for Toronto since Sept. 7, and he finished the 2022 regular season hitting .291/.343/.400 with five home runs, 52 RBI, 52 runs scored and three stolen bases in his 453 at-bats.

Thursday, October 06

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays are encouraged by starting pitcher Kevin Gausman's (finger) recovery, according to general manager Ross Atkins. Gausman isn't locked into a specific game for the Wild-Card Series this weekend against the Seattle Mariners, but he remains a leading option to start Game 2 or Game 3, if necessary. The 31-year-old is throwing a bullpen session on Thursday, and as long as he doesn't have any setbacks with his lacerated middle finger, he should draw a start this weekend. If he starts Game 2 for Toronto, he'll be opposed by Seattle lefty Robbie Ray. In his lone start against the Mariners in 2022, Gausman allowed two earned runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out three in five innings pitched while picking up a loss.

Sunday, October 02

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (finger) exited early during Sunday's contest against the Boston Red Sox. He was removed in the third inning due to what appears to be a cut on his middle finger. This doesn't sound like something that is going to limit Gausman going forward. Gausman should be fine for his next start, which is likely going to be in the playoffs.

Wednesday, September 28

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (hamstring) still hasn't run the bases, but the team is hoping he can do that on Friday. Infielder Santiago Espinal (oblique) is a little behind Gurriel in his rehab progression. He has just started baseball activities and is just hitting off a tee. If he doesn't have any setbacks on Friday, there's a chance he could still appear in one of the final games of the regular season. However, fantasy managers with a title still on the line shouldn't be expecting much, if anything. The 28-year-old Cuban slugger has been great this year for Toronto in his 453 at-bats, hitting .291/.343/.400 with five home runs, 52 RBI, 52 runs scored and three stolen bases. The Blue Jays will be hoping that he's fully healthy by the time the playoffs start.

Thursday, September 22

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays infielder Santiago Espinal (side) was removed early during Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 27-year-old was forced out of this game due to left side discomfort. The severity of the injury is unknown at the moment. Although, it's worth noting that side and oblique issues do have a tendency to linger. Fantasy managers should expect an update possibly after the contest or sometime on Thursday.
		Toronto Blue Jays infielder Santiago Espinal (side) is not in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Espinal dealt with left side discomfort on Wednesday and was forced to leave the game early. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to return to the lineup on Friday, but fantasy managers should view him as day-to-day for now. The 27-year-old has been swinging it well this month, going 13-for-45 (.289) with no homers, seven RBI, seven runs and a steal in 17 games, so hopefully he's not out for long. With Espinal out, Cavan Biggio will start at the keystone and bat ninth on Thursday against Rays right-hander JT Chargois. Biggio only has 238 at-bats for Toronto in 2022 and is hitting .206 (49 hits) with six home runs, 24 RBI, 40 runs and two thefts.

Tuesday, September 20

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (hip) is back in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Kyle Gibson, serving as the designated hitter while batting cleanup. Kirk missed nearly a week with his injury, but he's back in there for fantasy managers on Tuesday. The 23-year-old right-handed hitting backstop is hitting a solid .289 (13-for-45) with no home runs, eight RBI and four runs scored in 11 games in the month of September. Kirk has been one of the best hitting catchers in baseball in 2022, slashing .295/.379/.432 with an .811 OPS, 13 long balls, 59 RBI and 56 runs scored in 424 at-bats in a potent Toronto lineup. Get him back into your starting lineups.

Saturday, September 17

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (hip) is still absent from the Blue Jays starting lineup on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles. The 23-year-old backstop is going to miss his fourth consecutive contest due to tightness in his left hip. The issue isn't serious enough to warrant an IL stint as he should be available off the bench but fantasy managers need to consider him day-to-day. Danny Jansen has been filling in for the 2022 All-Star during his absence.

Thursday, September 15

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (hip) is dealing with some left hip tightness, which is why he's out of the starting lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Toronto thinks Kirk could be available off the bench, though, so he's considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers need to act accordingly and move Kirk to their benches for Thursday's action. The 23-year-old has been great with the bat this year, slashing .295/.379/.432 with an .811 OPS, 13 home runs, 59 RBI and 56 runs scored in 424 at-bats. His hip injury could explain a recent cold stretch at the plate. In his absence, Gabriel Moreno will get the start behind the dish and will hit eighth against Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan. Moreno is hitting .276 (16-for-58) in 2022, but he's still searching for his first home run in his rookie season.

Tuesday, September 13

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Nate Pearson (lat) could be available as early as this weekend for the team, according to interim manager John Schneider. Pearson is scheduled to pitch on Tuesday for Triple-A Buffalo as part of his minor league rehab assignment, and his potential return will depend on his outing. The 26-year-old struck out one batter and didn't give up any hits or walks in a scoreless inning in his first rehab outing on Sunday for Single-A Dunedin. He has yet to pitch in a major-league game in 2022 due to injuries. With time running out in the regular season, Pearson will likely return to a relief role in Toronto down the stretch, severely limiting his fantasy value.
		Toronto Blue Jays interim manager John Schneider said that starting pitcher Alek Manoah (illness) was scratched from his start in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays because he's fighting a stomach bug. Manoah is currently hydrating, and the team hopes he can recover enough to start in Game 2. Reliever Julian Merryweather is now listed as the starter for Game 1, but he'll likely only go an inning or two before making way for a bulk arm in the first game. Manoah, a first-time All-Star this year, has gone 14-7 with a 2.42 ERA (3.30 FIP), a 0.99 WHIP and a 158:41 K:BB over 171 innings and 27 starts. As long as he makes his the start in Game 2 he should be started in most fantasy formats, but he'll carry a little more risk.
		Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (illness) has recovered from his stomach bug and won't have any restrictions when he starts Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Manoah was originally scheduled to start Game 1, but he was scratched due to a stomach bug. The 24-year-old right-hander will still be a little more risky in this one, but he should be started in the majority of fantasy formats. The first-time All-Star has gone 14-7 for the Blue Jays this year with a 2.42 ERA (3.30 FIP), a 0.99 WHIP, 158 strikeouts and 41 walks in 171 innings over 27 starts. He hasn't allowed more than one earned run in any of his last four starts against the Orioles, Pirates, Angels and Yankees.

Sunday, September 11

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez was placed on the restricted list Saturday. He was placed on the paternity list Wednesday but was shifted to the restricted list to receive an extra day off. The 29-year-old will be eligible to come off the restricted list on Sunday. He is slashing .263/.315/.476 with 20 home runs, 64 RBI, 54 runs, and six stolen bases over 445 plate appearances in 2022. He could return for the series finale against the Rangers and had collected a hit in seven of his last eight games before landing on the paternity list. Fantasy managers should continue to roll with Hernandez once the Blue Jays outfielder is activated.

Friday, September 09

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day IL on Friday, retroactive to September 8. Gurriel was injured while hustling out a potential double play ball, as he landed on the bag awkwardly and went down in a heap. The team has chosen to put him on the injured list after Gurriel went for an MRI Thursday, which gives them an extra roster spot in a crucial part of their season. Hopefully the IL stint is a short one, but no timeline has been given. After a scorching June and July, Gurriel slumped hard in August, slashing just .225/.269/.304. It's certainly worth considering dropping Gurriel if you don't have any extra IL spots for him, as he likely won't see the field at all next week. Expect Raimel Tapia, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Whit Merrifield to see more time in the outfield with Gurriel on the IL.

Thursday, September 08

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (hamstring) was diagnosed with left hamstring discomfort after exiting Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. He sustained the hamstring injury trying to beat out a double-play ground ball during the second inning. He went 0-for-1 with an RBI before exiting. Gurriel is considered day-to-day, with his next chance to return to the lineup will be Friday against the Texas Rangers. Whit Merrifield and Bradley Zimmer would see an uptick in playing time if Gurriel is forced to miss any games.
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (hamstring) is going for an MRI exam on Thursday after he left Wednesday's game early against the Baltimore Orioles with what the team described as left hamstring discomfort. Gurriel landed awkwardly at first base while trying to beat out an infield ground ball. Toronto will view his MRI results on Thursday before determining his next steps. Fantasy managers should be prepared for a potential stint on the injured list. The good news is the Blue Jays are off on Thursday, but the 28-year-old could very well be out on Friday for the series opener against the Texas Rangers. Gurriel is hitting a strong .291/.343/.400 with five home runs, 52 RBI, 52 runs scored and three steals in 453 at-bats in 2022.

Wednesday, September 07

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays placed outfielder Teoscar Hernandez on the paternity list on Wednesday. In corresponding moves, the team recalled right-hander Zach Pop and catcher Gabriel Moreno from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned right-hander Mitch White to Buffalo in a corresponding move. Fantasy managers will now be without Hernandez for the next one to three games, so plan accordingly. Raimel Tapia is getting the start in right field and is hitting sixth on Wednesday against Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells. Tapia could start in every game that Hernandez is out, but he's gone just 2-for-22 (.091) with no homers, one RBI, two runs scored and six strikeouts in seven games over the last two weeks.

Monday, September 05

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays infielder Santiago Espinal (hand) is back in the starting lineup on Monday against the Baltimore Orioles for the first game of a doubleheader, starting at third base and batting ninth against right-hander Mike Baumann. Espinal didn't play on Sunday in the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he'll be back in there for Game 1 of the doubleheader Monday. The 27-year-old made the All-Star team for the first time in his career this year, and he's hitting .266/.320/.376 with seven home runs, 46 RBI, 44 runs scored and five stolen bases in 448 plate appearances over 120 games. He's been useful in deep mixed leagues in 2022, but he'll be a low-upside DFS play on Monday in the nine-hole.
		The Toronto Blue Jays activated relief pitcher Julian Merryweather (oblique) from the 60-day injured list on Monday and optioned Casey Lawrence to the minors in a corresponding move. The Blue Jays also designated catcher Zack Collins for assignment. Merryweather has been away from the team since June 13 with a left oblique strain and had been on a lengthy minor league rehab assignment, but he'll now be available out of the bullpen for the stretch run in September. In 10 2/3 innings on his rehab assignment, the 30-year-old right-hander allowed no earned runs on three hits while walking five and striking out 15. Merryweather will work in middle relief in his return to the team and won't be on the fantasy radar.

Friday, September 02

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (wrist) is out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gurriel is being held out of the lineup to heal a "bothersome wrist issue", but it doesn't sound like a serious concern. After a scorching hot June and July, the 28-year-old went on a bit of a cold streak in August, slashing just .225/.269/.304 with no homers. The lack of power is a big concern for Gurriel this season, as he's knocked only five blasts in 2022. He probably shouldn't be starting in many fantasy lineups right now, unless it is a deep league or his owner needs help in the batting average category.

Tuesday, August 30

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (foot) is back in right field and is hitting sixth on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs and right-hander Marcus Stroman. Hernandez has been bothered by a sore left foot of late, but he'll be back in there after sitting out the series opener on Monday. The 29-year-old Dominican should be rostered in all fantasy formats, but he's been on a bit of a cold streak in the month of August, going 19-for-83 (.229) with four home runs, 10 RBI, 11 runs scored and 31 strikeouts in 23 games. In 380 at-bats in 2022, Hernandez is slashing .261/.313/.471 with 18 home runs, 59 RBI, 51 runs scored and six stolen bases as an outfield regular in a strong Toronto lineup.

Monday, August 29

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays claimed outfielder Bradley Zimmer off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. The former top prospect spent some time with the Phillies before getting cut by the team. Zimmer will now return to Toronto and serve as depth in the outfield after playing for them earlier this year. The 29-year-old will report to Triple-A, but he is expected to join the big-league club shortly. There is almost no fantasy value here with Zimmer, so fantasy managers can ignore this news in mixed leagues.

Sunday, August 28

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (foot) is back in right field and is hitting sixth on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels and left-hander Tucker Davidson. Hernandez was forced from the series opener on Friday with a left foot contusion and he didn't play on Saturday, but he'll be back in there for the series finale. Fantasy managers will want to get him back into their starting lineups against the left-hander. He's hitting only .225 (18-for-80) with four home runs, 10 RBI, 11 runs scored and 30 strikeouts in 22 games in the month of August, but Hernandez has been solid overall in 2022 with a .260/.311/.427 slash line, 18 home runs, 59 RBI, 51 runs scored and six stolen bases in 377 at-bats.

Saturday, August 27

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez left Friday's game against the Los Angeles Angels with a foot injury. Hernandez fouled a ball off of his foot during the game and was removed with what the team is calling a left foot contusion. He went 0-for-1 with a strikeout before departing and was replaced in the outfield by Raimel Tapia. Look for the Blue Jays to update Hernandez's status sometime after Friday's game concludes.
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (foot) is out of the starting lineup on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels. Hernandez was forced to leave Friday's action early with a left foot contusion, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. Jackie Bradley Jr. is starting in right field in his place and is batting ninth against Angels right-hander Shohei Ohtani. DFS gamers should be able to find much better outfield options than Bradley on Saturday. George Springer will also move to center field for the first time since returning from the injured list. Fantasy managers need to keep him in their lineups. In 10 games played this month, he's gone 18-for-36 (.500) with no homers, nine RBI and seven runs scored.

Tuesday, August 23

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Toronto Blue Jays activated reliever Tim Mayza (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday. The veteran reliever has made 41 appearances this season for the Blue Jays and has been a quality option for fantasy managers in leagues where holds are part of the scoring. The left-hander has pitched to a 2.88 ERA and a 3.93 FIP in 34.1 innings. He's also registered 27 strikeouts while walking just nine batters. Elsewhere, he's accumulated five wins and 11 holds. Toronto optioned fellow reliever Zach Pop to Triple-A to make room on the active roster for Mayza.
		Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (knee) is serving as the designated hitter and batting leadoff on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox and right-hander Josh Winckowski. Springer will return to the lineup on Tuesday after being out since last Thursday when he fouled a ball off his knee. He has hits in his last seven at-bats, though, and his fantasy managers are hoping he can stay hot after resting recently. The 32-year-old veteran should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups against Winckowski. On the season, Springer is hitting .269/.345/.479 with an .824 OPS, 18 home runs, 51 RBI, 64 runs scored and 10 stolen bases in 353 at-bats.