Jeff Hoffman’s recent performance as a full-time closer has been erratic, culminating in a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. The righty, who initially shone with a 1.10 ERA, has succumbed to struggles since early May, allowing more runs than innings pitched. An error during a critical eighth inning led to a bases-loaded situation, resulting in the Jays losing a winnable game.

Manager John Schneider has shown continued faith in Hoffman despite the rocky stretch, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in relievers. However, as Hoffman battles consistency issues, the potential return of top setup man Yimi García could prompt a reevaluation of the closer role. This season, the Blue Jays face mounting pressure as they strive to remain competitive in the playoff race.

Nathan Lukes has returned to the Toronto Blue Jays lineup after a brief stint on the injured list due to a concussion. He was crucially integrated into the batting order against the Chicago White Sox, hitting seventh in left field. Before his injury, Lukes was performing well with a .267 batting average, four home runs, and 21 RBIs.

The Blue Jays also reinstated pitcher Nick Sandlin from the 15-day injured list, while optioning Justin Bruihl and Will Robertson to triple-A Buffalo. Meanwhile, Max Scherzer is on track to start against the Cleveland Guardians next week following a successful bullpen session. Other injury updates include Daulton Varsho, who is expected to return to games soon, while Yimi Garcia is scheduled to pitch in a single-A game, and Bowden Francis continues his recovery after a cortisone injection.

Injuries are a reality in fantasy baseball, especially during the 2025 season. As we analyze potential waiver wire pickups, several players are emerging as valuable stash options for fantasy managers looking to optimize their rosters.

Max Scherzer of the Toronto Blue Jays is a notable name, currently rostered in only 32% of Yahoo leagues. After a thumb injury sidelined him, Scherzer is set for a rehab start, and if he can regain his elite form, he could be a significant contributor to fantasy teams upon his return. Yimi Garcia, also of the Blue Jays, is expected back from shoulder fatigue with a respectable ERA of 3.15, making him an appealing choice for managers needing relief pitching.

Meanwhile, Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox, while already 60% rostered, is returning from an oblique injury and boasts impressive power stats, including 13 home runs this season. On the other hand, Ezequiel Tovar of the Colorado Rockies is a promising shortstop option, showing signs of solid hitting before his recent injury.

Lastly, Daulton Varsho, also with the Blue Jays, is worth monitoring as he recovers from an injury and has shown potential against right-handed pitching.

The Toronto Blue Jays have made several roster adjustments ahead of their series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. Backup catcher Tyler Heineman was placed on the seven-day injured list due to concussion symptoms, leading to the call-up of Ali Sánchez from Triple-A Buffalo, who stepped in to catch for Chris Bassitt. In 2024, Sánchez struggled with a .167 batting average in 96 plate appearances with the Marlins. Heineman, despite his injury, had been performing well with a .396 batting average, 10 runs, 6 RBIs, and one home run across 48 at-bats.

Additionally, the Blue Jays designated left-handed pitcher Josh Walker for assignment. Walker had only appeared in three games this season, posting a 7.20 ERA over five innings. These roster changes come swiftly on the heels of the team placing reliever Yimi Garcia on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. Paxton Schultz was recalled from Triple-A to fill the void left by Garcia.

The Toronto Blue Jays faced a challenging setback, suffering their second consecutive 3-1 loss against the Tampa Bay Rays. Junior Caminero’s impressive first-inning home run off José Berríos marked the decisive moment, delivering three runs that the Rays would not relinquish. Although Berríos rebounded well, retiring 13 of the next 14 batters, the damage was already done.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. managed to bring some light to the Jays’ performance, hitting a long 423-foot home run that extended his current on-base streak to 24 games—the longest active streak in MLB. Meanwhile, George Springer has hit a rough patch, with only three hits in his last 34 at-bats. Additionally, the Blue Jays placed Yimi Garcia on the injured list due to shoulder issues, continuing the struggles for the team.