Blue Jays Announce Daulton Varsho News After Leaving Diamondbacks Game

The Toronto Blue Jays have continued to be hit with the injury bug early in the 2026 MLB season, specifically the team's position player group. As a result, they entered Friday with a 7-11 record, sitting in last place in the American League East.

All-Star outfielder George Springer is currently sidelined with a broken left toe, as is Alejandro Kirk with a left thumb fracture. Last year's breakout left-handed slugger Addison Barger is also down with a left ankle sprain.

And unfortunately for Toronto, the hits keep on coming. On Friday, during the club's series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, center fielder Daulton Varsho also left the game early with an apparent injury.

Varsho was removed from the contest in the bottom of the third inning, replaced by backup outfielder Myles Straw with no obvious reason as to why. Varsho had logged one at-bat, striking out in the first inning before exiting the game.

Moments later, the Blue Jays provided some clarity on his status. "UPDATE: OF Daulton Varsho was removed from tonight's game with left knee discomfort," the team wrote on X.

This is another big blow to Toronto's overall depth, being down yet another outfield option, especially one of Varsho's caliber. Varsho remains one of the best defensive center fielders in MLB as a former Gold Glove Award winner, and he is also still effective in the batter's box.

UPDATE: OF Daulton Varsho was removed from tonight's game with left knee discomfort.

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 18, 2026

This year, the 29-year-old has posted a .266 batting average, .338 on-base percentage, .807 OPS, three home runs and seven RBIs through 18 games. The severity of the injury is still unknown and he will likely undergo further testing to determine whether he will need a stint on the injured list.

Varsho himself will also hope that it is not anything serious. He is in the final year under team control and is set to hit unrestricted free agency at the end of the year, likely to earn a big contract if he continues to perform at this level. Straw would likely get an extended look in the outfield if it is serious for Varsho.

Toronto can only hope the latest setback does not derail an already thin roster any further as they try to stay afloat in a competitive division.

Related: Blue Jays Make Decision Before Diamondbacks Game

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 7:48 PM.