Alejandro Kirk is ready to return.
The veteran catcher confirmed on Thursday that he will be back in the Toronto Blue Jays lineup on Friday against the New York Yankees.
"I think I'm going to catch tomorrow," Kirk said with a smile after going 1-3 as the DH for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Thursday. "I don't know if I'm allowed to say that."
Manager John Schneider had suggested earlier in the week that the Blue Jays were targeting Friday for Kirk's return from thumb surgery.
Kirk fractured his left thumb when he was hit by a pitch while catching in a game on April 3. He had surgery on it shortly after and has been making rehab appearances with single-A Dunedin and Buffalo since early June.
Kirk was an all-star for the second time in his career in 2025 but was cold at the plate early this season before his injury. In five games in 2026, he was just three-for-20 with one home run and two walks.
The Blue Jays have yet to announce a corresponding move to activate Kirk. Tyler Heinemen and rookie Brandon Valenzuela have been handling catching duties in his absence. Valenzuela has seven home runs and a .790 OPS since being called up to replace Kirk, while the veteran Heinemen has one home run and a .410 OPS.
