The Toronto Blue Jays announced two roster changes on Tuesday, reinstating Orelvis Martinez from the suspended list while transferring Daulton Varsho to the 60-day injured list. Martinez, 22, was suspended for 80 games in late June for breaching MLB’s Joint Drug and Treatment Program. His suspension officially ended on Monday, allowing him to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on September 8, 15 days prior to his suspension’s conclusion. He has since been optioned to the Blue Jays’ spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida.
ROSTER MOVES:
🔹 INF Orelvis Martinez reinstated from the Suspended List and optioned to the Spring Training Complex
🔹 OF Daulton Varsho transferred to the 60-day IL pic.twitter.com/rRW40DUYoX
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 24, 2024
Unfortunately, fans won’t see Martinez back in action until spring training. Varsho’s season is now over after undergoing surgery to repair a rotator cuff issue in his shoulder. His placement on the 60-day IL opens up short-term roster flexibility. Varsho expressed optimism to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, stating he hopes to be fully recovered for spring training. This season, he led all outfielders with 28 defensive runs saved, posting a batting line of .214/.293/.407 over 136 games. Other players, including Will Wagner, Alek Manoah, and Jordan Romano, will also need to be reinstated from the 60-day IL as the offseason approaches.
Before his suspension, Martinez made a brief appearance in the major leagues, going 1-for-3 with a single. He remains one of the Blue Jays’ top prospects, having put up a .267/.346/.523 batting line in Triple-A, comparable to his .263/.340/.507 line in six games in 2023.
As the Blue Jays prepare for the 2025 season, competition for infield positions will be fierce among Martinez, Wagner, Bo Bichette, Ernie Clement, Addison Barger, and Leo Jimenez. Despite missing significant time, Martinez will be looking to secure a spot next year. The infield’s uncertainty may provide ample opportunities, even if the team opts to acquire veteran players this offseason. Speculations about trading Bichette persist, but the Blue Jays seem committed to pushing for contention in the upcoming season.
