The Toronto Blue Jays have been eliminated from the MLB playoffs and will not participate in the postseason. However, the Houston Astros and two former Blue Jays players, Daulton Varsho and Joey Loperfido, received news on their playing status for Game 1 of their Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox.
Both teams have decided to open the 2026 MLB playoffs with a bullpen game. Today’s Astros game against the White Sox is scheduled for 3:00 PM Mountain Time, 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Former Toronto Blue Jays On The Houston Astros: Joey Loperfido In, Daulton Varsho Out
Breaking news: the Astros announced their playoff roster ahead of their first game against the White Sox. The roster also revealed news about Loperfido and Varsho.
“Astros set Wild Card Series roster,” MLB beat writer Brian McTaggart wrote when he shared the Astros playoff roster.
As you can see from the announcement, Loperfido was included in the roster. However, Varsho was left off.
Why Is Joey Loperfido On The Houston Astros Roster While Daulton Varsho Is Not?
Unfortunately for Varsho, he sustained an injury in the final stretch of the regular season and is unlikely to play in the Wild Card series.
Here is what the Astros Injury Report says about Varsho:
“Injury: Left wrist inflammation
Expected return: Likely 2027
IL date: Sept. 24 (10-day, retroactive to Sept. 23)
Status: Has been dealing with cysts in his wrist for three months, but pain has become too much to play. Set to see a hand specialist Sept. 29,” the report for Varsho was last updated on September 24, 2026.
With Varsho scheduled to see a hand specialist on September 29th, more news should be coming soon about his status for the remainder of the MLB postseason.
Looking At Daulton Varsho & Joey Loperfido With The Houston Astros
Both Loperfido and Varsho were traded to the Astros this season, but at very different times.
Loperfido was traded back in February for Jesus Sanchez. While Loperfido spent time with the minor league teams, he did well when he was in the Astros lineup. In 40 games, the 27-year-old had 22 hits, 12 RBIs, one stolen base, and one home run.
Varsho, however, has been with the Astros only since the MLB Trade Deadline. He was traded to the Astros in exchange for Spencer Arrighetti.
The 30-year-old outfielder played 41 games for the Astros after the trade. In those games, Varsho had 26 hits, four doubles, one triple, 14 RBIs, 10 walks, three stolen bases, and five home runs.
One way or another, fans should be happy to see a couple of former Blue Jays players participating in a playoff series.
2 Former Toronto Blue Jays Players Get Very Different News Before Wild Card Series