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The Toronto Blue Jays knew a catcher decision was coming.
They had to finally make it on Friday, and for good reason -- Alejandro Kirk has been activated from the 60-day IL.
With Kirk back, one of Tyler Heineman or Brandon Valenzuela had to be sent off the MLB roster to make room.
Valenzuela would've been the less punishing choice solely from a roster-building perspective, because he had minor league options remaining.
But in Valenzuela's time in the major leagues, he's been much better than Heineman.
That's why the Blue Jays still designated Heineman for assignment on Friday, despite that risking him on waivers for a potential claim by another team.
ROSTER MOVES:
🔹 C Alejandro Kirk reinstated from the 60-day IL and will be active tonight
🔹 OF Daulton Varsho (left wrist inflammation) placed on 10-day IL
🔹 OF Davis Schneider recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight
🔹C Tyler Heineman designated for… pic.twitter.com/9wn7kTJMd9
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Heineman has a $1.2 million salary, which is a bit higher than some teams might consider as a claim cost for a backup catcher.
Still, there's no guarantee for Toronto that Heineman ever makes it to Triple-A Buffalo.
The Blue Jays decided they'd rather have Valenzuela up to play occasionally when Kirk needs a rest, though. Both offensively and defensively, Valenzuela has been a revelation, and Toronto can't afford to sell its MLB roster short as it tries to get back into the AL East race.
Toronto is likely aided by the fact that their current Triple-A catchers are quality players, especially defensively. If Heineman really ends up elsewhere, the Blue Jays still have solid depth.
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