Andrés Giménez -- Injury Report

Blue Jays manager John Schneider addressed reporters ahead of Monday's game against the Red Sox, confirming that shortstop Andrés Giménez is "banged up" but available off the bench. Giménez is sitting out for a second consecutive game; while Schneider did not specify the nature of the injury, it appears relatively minor. The decision may also reflect matchup considerations, as the Blue Jays face left-handed starter Ranger Suárez and Giménez is a left-handed hitter. Ernie Clement will shift from second base to shortstop in his absence.

Giménez is having an excellent 2026 season at the plate through 26 games, batting .287 with a .781 OPS and 117 OPS+—his best offensive production since 2022. His underlying metrics show genuine improvement, with his barrel rate increasing from 3.0% last season to 4.8% this year, and his average exit velocity and hard-hit rate both showing notable gains. He had started each of Toronto's previous four games before the current absence, going 6-for-16 with three doubles and four RBIs during that stretch.

Defensively, Giménez continues to deliver elite-level performance. In 2025, he recorded 9 Defensive Runs Saved, 10 Outs Above Average, and 7 Fielding Run Value at second base. Transitioning to shortstop in 2026, he maintains that standard, currently ranking tied for fourth among shortstops in OAA (2) and tied for seventh in FRV (1). Given that the Blue Jays roster has already been tested by injuries, the team will want to manage Giménez's availability carefully.

Andres Gimenez clarified on Tuesday that he has been managing hamstring tightness, explaining his recent absences from Toronto's lineup on Sunday and Monday. While he stated he feels fine overall, the tightness is forcing him to be cautious on the bases. Gimenez acknowledged that the exact source of the issue—whether from defense, offense, or baserunning—has not yet been fully identified, and the Blue Jays are actively working with him on it.

Through 26 games this season, Gimenez has been productive, hitting .287 with 27 hits, 3 home runs, 16 RBI, and a .781 OPS while providing valuable defensive stability at shortstop. Manager John Schneider's approach of giving him rest days without placing him on the injured list reflects the team's confidence that this can remain a maintenance issue. The key concern for Toronto is preventing a manageable tightness from escalating into a longer-term hamstring injury, particularly given Gimenez's importance both offensively and defensively. Neither the player nor manager expressed alarm, suggesting the situation is being treated as controllable for now.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider indicated that infielder Andres Gimenez is 'banged up' but will be available as a bench option for Monday's contest against the Red Sox. Gimenez has been held out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game, with Schneider declining to specify the nature of the issue. The injury appears minor in scope. The decision to bench the left-handed-hitting Gimenez may also be influenced by the Blue Jays' opponent, left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez. Ernie Clement will transition from his usual second base position to cover shortstop in Gimenez's absence.

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez has been managing hamstring tightness that is affecting his baserunning. According to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, the 27-year-old has been extra cautious on the bases due to the issue. Gimenez missed three consecutive games while resting from the hamstring problem but has not been placed on the injured list, returning to action on Tuesday batting ninth.

Despite the injury concern, Gimenez has performed well in his first season as the Blue Jays' full-time shortstop. Statcast data shows he has achieved 75th percentile range and a plus-one fielding run value defensively. Offensively, he leads the team with 16 RBIs, has slugged three home runs, and maintains a .781 OPS. On Tuesday, he recorded one hit in three at-bats with a run scored. The Blue Jays faced the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon with pitcher Brayan Bello.

Andres Gimenez is cleared to return to action Tuesday for the Blue Jays against the Red Sox after missing the previous two games with an undisclosed injury. The 27-year-old shortstop will start the game batting ninth. Despite the recent absence, Gimenez has had a strong start to the 2026 season, recording 3 home runs and 4 stolen bases while maintaining a .287/.313/.468 slash line across 100 plate appearances. The team characterized his injury as being 'banged up,' indicating a minor ailment rather than a significant injury requiring extended rest.