Blue Jays Recall Catcher and Pitcher To Majors

After a powerful start to the season, Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen will have to cool off on the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique. The injury occurred while swinging the bat during Sunday's game against the Texas Rangers.

In his place, the Jays have recalled catcher Tyler Heineman from Triple-A Buffalo to act as 3rd catcher for the time being. Alejandro Kirk and the recently-acquired Zack Collins will take up the bulk of the workload behind the plate until Jansen returns. 

The Jays have also recalled left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay to join the bullpen corps, while Taylor Saucedo was optioned to Triple-A. Kay got into 11 games with Toronto last season, posting a 5.61 ERA, but striking out 10.4 batters per 9 frames. 

In one more move, the Blue Jays have DFA'd outfielder Josh Palacios. 

The oblique injury to Jansen is especially unfortunate, as he started the season picking up where he left off last September, on a power binge. The 26-year-old fifth-year catcher hit two home runs and a double over the first three-game set of 2022, and is batting a nifty .571 to start the year with a ridiculous OPS of 2.196. 

Small sample size, for sure, but last September, Jansen enjoyed the most successful month of his major league career, hitting .310 with a 1.072 OPS, along with a robust 5 HR and 17 RBIs. 

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports