Blue Jays Call Up Austin Voth Amid Rotation Woes

The Toronto Blue Jays have promoted right-hander Austin Voth from Triple-A Buffalo to the majors as they continue to navigate a decimated starting rotation. To create space on the 26-man and 40-man rosters, the team optioned righty Tanner Andrews to Buffalo and moved catcher Alejandro Kirk from the 10-day to the 60-day injured list. Kirk has been sidelined since April 6 with a broken left thumb and is not expected to begin a rehab assignment until next week.

Voth, 33, signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays in March and was previously called up in early April. During his lone appearance with Toronto, he allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings before being waived. He briefly entered free agency but returned to the organization on a new minor league contract. This time, he’s arrived with a strong season in Buffalo, where he has posted a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings across eight starts.

Voth has struck out 17.4% of batters faced while walking just 6.8% and inducing ground balls at a 39.4% rate. He has thrown five innings in multiple outings and appears ready to contribute in a variety of roles, whether as a starter, a long reliever or a swingman. With the Blue Jays’ rotation in disarray, his versatility is a valuable asset.

Toronto’s pitching staff has been ravaged by injuries in 2026. José Berríos recently underwent Tommy John surgery, Dylan Cease was placed on the 15-day IL with a hamstring strain, and Max Scherzer has been out since late April due to forearm tendinitis and ankle inflammation. Shane Bieber has yet to pitch this season due to elbow inflammation, while Cody Ponce tore his ACL in his first start back after a big league contract. Bowden Francis also had Tommy John surgery in February.

Voth cannot be optioned back to the minors, so the Blue Jays must DFA him if they want to remove him from the roster. However, with the injury list full and the need for pitching depth, his stay could be extended beyond previous call-ups.

Kirk’s transfer to the 60-day IL is largely procedural. He had a screw inserted during surgery on April 6 to stabilize the broken thumb and is not expected to return to action until at least June 3. He will be eligible for reinstatement a week from Wednesday.

The Blue Jays face a tough stretch ahead and will need contributions from every available arm. Voth’s addition offers some much-needed length to a rotation in flux. Toronto will take on the New York Yankees on Friday, and Voth could be in line for a start or a long relief role depending on the game flow.