The Toronto Blue Jays are in the thick of a series against the New York Yankees. While they dropped the first game, they can still make hay while the sun shines and win the series. Meanwhile, news about Rhylan Thomas and Vladimir Guerrero Jr emerges.
Spencer Arrighetti made his Blue Jays debut in the team’s 3-1 loss to the Yankees. With the loss, Toronto moves to 1.5 games back of the Texas Rangers for the final American League Wild Card spot.
Toronto Blue Jays Promote 26-Year-Old
GettyPEORIA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 24: Rhylan Thomas #31 of the Seattle Mariners high fives with third base coach Carlos Cardoza #57 after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of the spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Peoria Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)
During their series against the Yankees, the Blue Jays announced a promotion for Thomas.
According to the MiLB Transactions Log, “LF Rhylan Thomas assigned to Dunedin Blue Jays from FCL Blue Jays.”
Thomas is a 26-year-old outfielder. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound lefty bat was originally drafted by the New York Mets in 2022.
Looking at Rhylan Thomas
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – APRIL 30: Rhylan Thomas #31 of the Seattle Mariners, making his MLB debut, looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on April 30, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Thomas signed with the Blue Jays back in June.
The Blue Jays are the third organization that Thomas has played for this year. Earlier, he played for the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros.
Before this promotion, Thomas had played only for the FCL Blue Jays while with Toronto.
In one game, Thomas recorded two hits and an RBI. Before that, he had played Triple-A baseball for both the Mariners and Astros.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s Expected Return to the Toronto Blue Jays
GettyTORONTO, ON – AUGUST 14: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs home to score a run in the sixth inning during a game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on August 14, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
According to two MLB insiders, the Blue Jays are expected to activate Guerrero Jr prior to their Saturday, August 22nd game.
Arden Zwelling confirmed that Guerrero had traveled with the team to New York.
“Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is with the Blue Jays in New York after going 1-for-1 with a double and two walks in a rehab game with Dunedin yesterday. He’s passed all his concussion tests, per Blue Jays manager John Schneider, and is on track to be activated from IL on Saturday,” Zwelling wrote on Friday.
He’s passed all his concussion tests, per Blue Jays manager John Schneider, and is on track to be activated from IL on Saturday
Keegan Matheson echoed this report, “John Schneider says that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has passed his final concussion tests and is feeling good. All lines up for him to return to the lineup tomorrow in New York.”
All lines up for him to return to the lineup tomorrow in New York. #BlueJays
One way or another, this team will be getting a big boost. The only question left to answer is who will get pulled out and sent down as a result.
Toronto Blue Jays Promote 26-Year-Old Amid Vladimir Guerrero Jr Return