Blue Jays: Two Changes to the Lineup 24 Hours After Returning to Action

The Blue Jays are struggling to find stability in the rotation this year. Relying on four starters isn't helping.

I know, I know: every team is in the same boat. But in Toronto, in 2026, it seems especially glaring.

And now, just one day after returning to action following the All-Star break, the team has announced two changes.

CJ Van Eyk and Adam Macko have been sent down to Triple-A. Brendon Little (a fan favorite) and Lazaro Estrada are now back in the Majors to bring some fresh arms to the team.

Yesterday, against Chicago, Macko allowed two runs in one inning of work. He has allowed nine earned runs in five innings (four appearances) in July: he'll head down to find his footing again for the short term.

In 14.2 innings since the start of the season, he had allowed only two runs in the majors. Clearly, he's hit a wall.

Van Eyk, meanwhile, made his Major League debut yesterday. He didn't allow any runs in two innings, but he won't be available for the next few days due to yesterday's workload.

Sending him back down is therefore standard practice in such circumstances in MLB. It's tough, but that's just how it is.

Patrick Corbin, Spencer Miles (in a hybrid role), Mason Fluharty, Braydon Fisher, Tyler Rogers, Jeff Hoffman, and Louis Varland are also in the bullpen.

Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, and Shane Bieber—who will pitch today—are in the rotation.

The Blue Jays currently have five injured pitchers in the majors. Cody Ponce and Jose Berrios won't return this year, and it's unclear what lies ahead for Joe Mantiply.

Yimi Garcia will throw from the bullpen tomorrow in Florida, and it's unclear when he'll return. As for Max Scherzer, he received a cortisone shot in his thumb. It's unclear when he'll pitch again in the minors.

In the minors, Jake Bloss (shoulder) is on the injured list.

Jake Bloss has a Teres Major (shoulder) injury and is currently on the MILB IL. #BlueJays are still figuring out how long it'll keep him out

— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) July 18, 2026

Jesus Sanchez could play in the minors soon.

Jesus Sanchez (ankle) is scheduled to face live pitching on Saturday and resume running the bases next week. He could begin a rehab assignment shortly thereafter, according to Blue Jays manager John Schneider

. Sanchez is the closest to returning among the players currently on the Blue Jays' injured list

— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) July 17, 2026

A setback for Anthony Santander: it's unclear whether he'll play this season.

Anthony Santander felt something in his surgically repaired shoulder again and received another cortisone shot.

He hasn't started hitting yet. At this point, it's obviously becoming less and less likely that we'll see him this season. #BlueJays

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) July 17, 2026

Lenyn Sosa was playing in the minors but suffered a setback. He recently resumed hitting.

Lenyn Sosa (wrist), who began a rehab assignment in late June, recently experienced a setback and is currently at the Blue Jays' complex in Dunedin, Fla., ramping back up.

He resumed hitting this week in the batting cages.

— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) July 17, 2026

Addison Barger hopes to play again this season.

Addison Barger's back and elbow are still bothering him.

He's not ready for baseball activities yet. He'll need some time to ramp up before returning to the #BlueJays, so the clock is really starting to tick

— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) July 17, 2026

Created by humans, assisted by AI.