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Alejandro Kirk has been recalled from the injured list, Tyler Heineman optioned to Triple-A
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Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Ryley Delaney
Jun 29, 2023, 14:50 EDT
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Transaction Thursday!
On Thursday afternoon, the Blue Jays announced that Alejandro Kirk was activated from the 10-day injured list, while Tyler Heineman was optioned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
As you may recall, Alejandro Kirk was hit in the hand by a pitch, needing several stitches. The Blue Jays had no choice but to put the 24-year-old catcher on the injured list, as he couldn’t grip a bat.
Offensively, Kirk has had a tough season with the bat in 2023, slashing .253/.337/.331 with three homers in 202 plate appearances. Furthermore, he has a higher K% (11.4%) than BB% (9.9%), which is unusual for him.
Last season with the bat, he slashed .285/.372/.415 with 14 home runs in 541 plate appearances for a 129 wRC+, so his 91 wRC+ this season has been a bit of a concern.
With that being said, Kirk has remained one of the best defenders behind the plate this season. His 6 Defensive Runs Saved rank tied for fourth in the league, only behind Patrick Bailey, Gabriel Moreno, and Cam Gallagher, all of whom have 7 DRS.
In terms of Catcher Defensive Adjustment, a tool from Baseball Prospectus that measures framing, blocking, and throwing, his 3.2 CDA ranks 14th in the league. It’s worth noting that his 10.5 CDA in 2022 ranked fourth in the league.
So while his bat may not have gotten going yet this season, Kirk still provides plenty of value to the Blue Jays.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Brennan_L_D.

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