The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that catcher Danny Jansen has been reinstated from the paternity list and will be active for Thursday’s game against the Houston Astros.
The return results in catcher Brian Serven being optioned to triple-A Buffalo.
Jansen has been out of the lineup since June 30. He started hot this season, hitting a combined .281 from April through May, which even earned him hitting from the second spot in the lineup for a short time. He has since cooled off, with his average dipping down to .227 on the year, alongside a .715 OPS and five home runs.
The Jays play the Astros at 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. on Thursday in the final game of the series. That game can be seen on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
Serven played Wednesday, marking his first game for the Jays since April 13. Originally a fifth-round pick in 2016 by the Colorado Rockies, the Blue Jays signed the 29-year-old ahead of the 2024 season.
Serven has posted a .270 batting average at triple-A Buffalo, with a .787 OPS, three home runs and 14 RBI. He has had 11 at bats with the Blue Jays this season, getting his first hit with the team with a single during Wednesday’s game.
After missing a few games due to a hamstring injury, Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen is set to return to the lineup on Thursday. Jansen, who has been a key player for the Blue Jays this season, will be a welcome addition to the team as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
In order to make room for Jansen on the roster, the Blue Jays have decided to send down rookie catcher Riley Adams to Triple-A Buffalo. Adams, who made his MLB debut earlier this season, has shown promise but has struggled at times both offensively and defensively. The move is likely intended to give Adams more playing time and allow him to continue developing his skills in the minors.
Jansen’s return will provide a boost to the Blue Jays’ lineup, as he has been one of their most consistent hitters this season. In 92 games played, Jansen has a .213 batting average with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs. He also provides solid defense behind the plate, with a .995 fielding percentage and a strong arm that has helped control the opposing team’s running game.
With Jansen back in the lineup, the Blue Jays will look to continue their strong play and make a push for a playoff spot in the competitive American League East division. Jansen’s presence will be crucial as the team looks to secure a spot in the postseason and make a deep run in October.