The Toronto Blue Jays’ huge offseason put them in position to be the Yankees’ biggest threats in the AL East. But roughly a week before the two teams meet on Opening Day in The Bronx, the Blue Jays are suddenly a mess.
Toronto general manager Ross Atkins revealed a string of bad injury updates to reporters Tuesday afternoon concerning three All-Stars. The worst news is closer Kirby Yates “most likely” will need Tommy John surgery and miss the 2021 season. Yates, 33, signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with Toronto over the winter.
Center fielder George Springer, who after being pursued by the Mets signed a six-year, $150 million deal with the Blue Jays, has a grade 2 oblique strain and will be reevaluated this weekend. Toronto added the 31-year-old to boost a lineup featuring several young, high-upside homegrown players.
George Springer, Kirby Yates, Robbie Ray Getty Images (3)Then there is Robbie Ray, the left-handed starter who recently slipped down stairs while holding his child — who reportedly is OK — and bruised his pitching elbow. The Blue Jays hope Ray will only miss his next spring start and be ready for the start of the regular season. Toronto acquired the 29-year-old from the Diamondbacks last season and re-signed him to a one-year, $8 million deal.
The Yankees and Blue Jays are set to open the 2021 season next Thursday at Yankee Stadium with an Opening Day matinee.
