Toronto is calling up outfielder Rudy Martin Jr., who is expected to make his debut after 12 years in the minors, a source tells ESPN. Martin, 30, was taken in the 25th round of the draft -- which doesn't exist anymore -- in 2014. Played indy ball, Mexican League and, now, MLB.
Blue Jays calling up Rudy Martin Jr., Jesús Sánchez designated for assignment
Photo credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Sep 11, 2026, 13:47 EDTUpdated: Sep 11, 2026, 14:23 EDT
Rudy Martin Jr. is finally getting the call every young ball player dreams of.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays are calling up Martin before Friday’s contest against the Baltimore Orioles.
Originally claimed by the Blue Jays off waivers on July 23 from the Orioles after being designated for assignment, Martin has appeared in 27 games in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons and is batting .253 with three home runs and 11 RBIs. The 30-year-old has reached base at a .351 clip since joining the Bisons and has stolen 12 bases in 13 attempts.
For the season across two minor league levels, Martin has played in 91 games and is batting .274 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. Martin has stolen 45 bases on 53 attempts and has an on-base percentage of .394.
This has been a long time coming for Martin, as the outfielder was originally selected in the 25th round by the Kansas City Royals during the 2014 MLB draft. Martin has kicked around different leagues as he attempted to prove he could play at the game’s highest level.
In 614 career minor league games, Martin is a .252 hitter with 50 home runs and 252 RBIs. Martin has a career .358 OBP and has stolen 239 bases on 290 attempts.
The Blue Jays currently sit tied for 25th in the majors in stolen bases with 72, so look for Martin to make an impact with his legs should the right opportunity present itself late in ball games.
In a corresponding move, outfielder Jesús Sánchez was designated for assignment. Acquired in February from the Houston Astros in exchange for Joey Loperfido, Sánchez appeared in 99 games with the Blue Jays this season, batting.260 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs while reaching base at a .318 clip.
While Sánchez got off to a strong start in a Blue Jays uniform, highlighted by a .287 average with six home runs through May, the 28-year-old really slumped afterward and suffered a right ankle sprain on June 26 that kept him out of action until July 31.
Upon his return, Sánchez not only struggled with the bat, but he also committed a handful of gaffes in the outfield that ultimately left manager John Schneider with no choice but to avoid using him in the field.
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