As the Toronto Blue Jays climb back into the playoff hunt, a few key pieces are making progress in their recoveries.
First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and starting pitchers Spencer Arrighetti and Jameson Taillon appear to be taking the next steps as they eye a return to play down the stretch run of the season, Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling reported Tuesday.
According to Zwelling, Guerrero Jr. — on the 7-day concussion injured list — went through a light on-field workout at Tropicana Field before Toronto's game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.
Zwelling added that Guerrero will hit the batting cages, but is still considered day-to-day.
The 27-year-old was placed on the IL after suffering his injury Friday against the New York Yankees when he took a knee to the head from shortstop George Lombard Jr.
Guerrero Jr. is having a cold 2026 with a .263/.337/.356 slash line and has just seven home runs — none of which have come at Rogers Centre.
Arrighetti, who has been sidelined since July 24, was throwing from flat ground at Tropicana on Tuesday. Acquired by the Blue Jays at the trade deadline from the Houston Astros, Arrighetti was diagnosed with Morton's neuroma, a condition related to a damaged or enlarged nerve that causes pain in the bottom of the foot.
He has been rehabbing at triple-A, and in his last start on Sunday, he pitched 3.2 innings (50 pitches) while allowing two runs on three hits, striking out three and walking two.
Arrighetti has not yet pitched for the Blue Jays since being acquired from the Astros for Daulton Varsho. He has a 4.60 ERA, striking out 87 batters and walking 50 over 88 major-league innings this year.
Taillon, on the other hand, exited his second start with the Blue Jays — a game against the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 10 — with right forearm discomfort. He was also seen throwing off flat ground in Tampa.
The 34-year-old was acquired by the Blue Jays on Aug. 2 after being waived by the Chicago Cubs. In 17 starts this season split between the two teams, he has a 5.68 ERA and 1.369 WHIP, with 75 strikeouts in 84 innings pitched.
The Blue Jays, who have won seven of their last 10, return to action for the series opener against the Rays. Coverage begins on Sportsnet at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.
