Toronto’s All‑Star catcher Alejandro Kirk underwent thumb surgery Tuesday, sidelining him for roughly six weeks, a significant layoff, manager John Schneider said. The injury occurred on a foul tip during Friday’s 6-4 loss to Chicago, prompting a 10‑day IL stint before the hand specialist inserted a screw. Kirk finished last season hitting .282 with 15 homers and earned his second All‑Star nod.

The Blue Jays have struggled early, sitting 4‑6 as they try to find rhythm. With Kirk out, backup Tyler Heineman and rookie Brandon Valenzuela will take catching duties. Veteran right‑hander Max Scherzer, 41, left his Monday start after two innings due to forearm tendinitis but feels healthy enough for his next outing, offering a boost to a rotation still reeling.

Toronto also shuffled its roster, recalling left‑hander Patrick Corbin from Single‑A and infielder Tyler Fitzgerald from Triple‑A ahead of Tuesday’s home game against the Dodgers. Right‑hander Cody Ponce requires knee surgery, sidelining him for about six months, while Addison Barger joined the 10‑day IL with a left ankle sprain. The club now relies on depth to stop the slide.