The Ex-Blue Jays Report

You can take the player out of the Blue Jays, but you can never take the Ex-Blue Jay out of the player!

Your report for Week Ending Sun, March 29

Report for Week Ending Sun, March 29

Mister Ex here, reporting on the deeds of former Blue Jays. Joey Loperfido dazzled the Astros with a .333 clip, four hits and two runs in just twelve plate appearances, while Otto Lopez supplied a steady .273 average, three hits, a run and an RBI for the Marlins. Veteran second‑baseman Marcus Semien, who last wore the blue in 2021, managed two hits and drove in two runs for the Mets. On the mound, former Jays right‑hander Eric Lauer turned in a solid 5 ⅓ innings, earning the win with a tidy 0.75 WHIP and nine strikeouts, and fellow ex‑Jay Jordan Romano closed two innings with a save and a sparkling 0.50 WHIP.

Of the season’s ex‑Jays, Loperfido and Lopez have been the sharper bats, while Lauer and Romano have provided the most reliable arms.

The news cycle noted that catcher Reese McGuire returned to Chicago on a one‑year deal, that Marcus Semien was dealt to New York in a three‑year, $72 million pact, and that Anthony Kay secured a $12 million contract with the White Sox.

In a roster move, Toronto designated shortstop Leo Jiménez for assignment and traded him to Miami for Dub Gleed and future considerations, making Jiménez another former Blue Jay.

Next week the Jays will host the Colorado Rockies at Rogers Centre before heading to Chicago’s Rate Field, where they may encounter former teammates Anthony Kay and the newly‑signed catcher Reese McGuire.

Stats Corner

   

The Ex Bats

Name Position JGP Ex since GP AB H BB HR RBI AVG OBP SLG OPS RC
Tyler Heineman Catcher 132 2026 1 2 1 1 0 0 .500 .667 .500 1.167 0.7
Joey Loperfido Outfielder 84 2025 4 12 4 0 0 0 .333 .333 .500 .833 2.0
Otto Lopez Shortstop 9 2022 3 11 3 1 0 1 .273 .333 .364 .697 1.3
Marcus Semien Second Base 162 2021 3 11 2 0 0 2 .182 .231 .273 .504 0.5
Gabriel Moreno Catcher 25 2022 2 8 2 0 0 0 .250 .250 .250 .500 0.5
Matt Chapman Third Base 295 2023 3 9 1 3 0 1 .111 .333 .111 .444 0.3
Danny Jansen Catcher 471 2024 2 8 1 0 0 1 .125 .125 .125 .250 0.1
Teoscar Hernández Outfielder 609 2022 3 10 1 0 0 0 .100 .100 .100 .200 0.1
Bo Bichette Third Base 748 2025 3 14 1 0 0 1 .071 .067 .071 .138 0.1
Reese McGuire Catcher 141 2021 2 4 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Rob Refsnyder Designated Hitter 32 2017 1 2 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Isiah Kiner-Falefa Second Base 102 2025 1 2 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Ty France First Base 37 2025 1 3 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Santiago Espinal Third Base 347 2023 1 2 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Spencer Horwitz First Base 112 2024 2 7 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Randal Grichuk Designated Hitter 479 2021 1 2 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Name Position JGP Ex since GP AB H BB HR RBI AVG OBP SLG OPS RC
Tyler Heineman Catcher 132 2026 1 2 1 1 0 0 .500 .667 .500 1.167 0.7
Joey Loperfido Outfielder 84 2025 4 12 4 0 0 0 .333 .333 .500 .833 2.0
Otto Lopez Shortstop 9 2022 3 11 3 1 0 1 .273 .333 .364 .697 1.3
Marcus Semien Second Base 162 2021 3 11 2 0 0 2 .182 .231 .273 .504 0.5
Gabriel Moreno Catcher 25 2022 2 8 2 0 0 0 .250 .250 .250 .500 0.5
Matt Chapman Third Base 295 2023 3 9 1 3 0 1 .111 .333 .111 .444 0.3
Danny Jansen Catcher 471 2024 2 8 1 0 0 1 .125 .125 .125 .250 0.1
Teoscar Hernández Outfielder 609 2022 3 10 1 0 0 0 .100 .100 .100 .200 0.1
Bo Bichette Third Base 748 2025 3 14 1 0 0 1 .071 .067 .071 .138 0.1
Reese McGuire Catcher 141 2021 2 4 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Rob Refsnyder Designated Hitter 32 2017 1 2 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Isiah Kiner-Falefa Second Base 102 2025 1 2 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Ty France First Base 37 2025 1 3 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Santiago Espinal Third Base 347 2023 1 2 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Spencer Horwitz First Base 112 2024 2 7 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0
Randal Grichuk Designated Hitter 479 2021 1 2 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0.0

The Ex Arms

Name JGP Ex since GP GS IP W L ERA K BB HR WHIP S HLD RP
Bryan Baker 1 2021 2 0 2.0 0 0 0.00 2 0 0 0.00 0 0 1.1
Matt Gage 11 2022 2 0 2.0 0 0 0.00 1 1 0 0.50 0 0 1.1
Jordan Romano 231 2024 2 0 2.0 0 0 0.00 3 1 0 0.50 1 0 1.1
Anthony Banda 7 2022 2 0 1.1 1 0 0.00 2 1 0 0.75 0 0 0.6
Tim Mayza 352 2024 1 0 2.0 0 0 0.00 2 1 0 1.00 0 0 1.1
Joel Payamps 22 2021 1 0 0.1 0 0 0.00 0 1 0 6.00 0 0 0.1
Eric Lauer 36 2026 1 1 5.1 1 0 3.38 9 1 1 0.75 0 0 0.7
Robbie Ray 37 2021 1 1 5.1 0 1 3.38 4 0 1 0.94 0 0 0.7
Anthony Kay 28 2022 1 1 4.2 0 0 3.86 5 4 1 1.50 0 0 0.2
Yusei Kikuchi 86 2024 1 1 4.1 0 0 4.15 3 1 1 2.08 0 0 0.2
Richard Lovelady 2 2025 2 0 2.0 1 1 4.50 2 2 0 3.00 0 0 0.1
Ryan Borucki 79 2025 2 0 1.2 0 0 5.40 1 1 1 1.20 0 0 -0.4
Steven Matz 29 2021 1 1 5.0 1 0 7.20 2 1 1 1.40 0 0 -1.3
Justin Bruihl 15 2025 2 0 2.1 0 0 7.71 2 2 0 1.71 0 0 -0.9
Zach Pop 90 2024 2 0 2.0 0 0 9.00 1 2 0 1.50 0 0 -0.9
Seranthony Domínguez 24 2025 2 0 1.1 0 1 13.50 0 1 1 3.00 0 0 -1.4
Mark Leiter Jr. 8 2018 1 0 0.2 0 0 13.50 0 0 0 3.00 0 0 -0.9
Matthew Boyd 2 2015 1 1 3.2 0 1 14.73 7 1 1 1.91 0 0 -4.3
Jordan Hicks 25 2023 2 0 1.0 0 0 27.00 1 4 0 6.00 0 0 -2.5
Name JGP Ex since GP GS IP W L ERA K BB HR WHIP S HLD RP
Bryan Baker 1 2021 2 0 2.0 0 0 0.00 2 0 0 0.00 0 0 1.1
Matt Gage 11 2022 2 0 2.0 0 0 0.00 1 1 0 0.50 0 0 1.1
Jordan Romano 231 2024 2 0 2.0 0 0 0.00 3 1 0 0.50 1 0 1.1
Anthony Banda 7 2022 2 0 1.1 1 0 0.00 2 1 0 0.75 0 0 0.6
Tim Mayza 352 2024 1 0 2.0 0 0 0.00 2 1 0 1.00 0 0 1.1
Joel Payamps 22 2021 1 0 0.1 0 0 0.00 0 1 0 6.00 0 0 0.1
Eric Lauer 36 2026 1 1 5.1 1 0 3.38 9 1 1 0.75 0 0 0.7
Robbie Ray 37 2021 1 1 5.1 0 1 3.38 4 0 1 0.94 0 0 0.7
Anthony Kay 28 2022 1 1 4.2 0 0 3.86 5 4 1 1.50 0 0 0.2
Yusei Kikuchi 86 2024 1 1 4.1 0 0 4.15 3 1 1 2.08 0 0 0.2
Richard Lovelady 2 2025 2 0 2.0 1 1 4.50 2 2 0 3.00 0 0 0.1
Ryan Borucki 79 2025 2 0 1.2 0 0 5.40 1 1 1 1.20 0 0 -0.4
Steven Matz 29 2021 1 1 5.0 1 0 7.20 2 1 1 1.40 0 0 -1.3
Justin Bruihl 15 2025 2 0 2.1 0 0 7.71 2 2 0 1.71 0 0 -0.9
Zach Pop 90 2024 2 0 2.0 0 0 9.00 1 2 0 1.50 0 0 -0.9
Seranthony Domínguez 24 2025 2 0 1.1 0 1 13.50 0 1 1 3.00 0 0 -1.4
Mark Leiter Jr. 8 2018 1 0 0.2 0 0 13.50 0 0 0 3.00 0 0 -0.9
Matthew Boyd 2 2015 1 1 3.2 0 1 14.73 7 1 1 1.91 0 0 -4.3
Jordan Hicks 25 2023 2 0 1.0 0 0 27.00 1 4 0 6.00 0 0 -2.5

News Roundup

Ex-Blue Jay
Mar 23 Seattle Mariners at Chicago White Sox Game Story, Scores/Highligh...  Reese McGuire
Reese McGuire, newly signed with the Chicago White Sox, delivered a solid showing by going 2‑for‑2 with a double and a solo home run in one game, and later recorded another solo home run. The piece notes his offensive contributions but provides no further details about the opponent or the game's outcome.
Mar 23 White Sox ink McGuire to 1-year deal, likely leaving Lee as odd c...  Reese McGuire
Reese McGuire signed a one‑year, $1.2 million deal to return to the Chicago White Sox after the Brewers released him, and he expressed excitement about rejoining familiar faces and contributing as a left‑handed hitting catcher alongside Edgar Quero.
Mar 23 Mets' $72 million trade set up 2 more deals before new season - s...  Marcus Semien
The piece explains that Marcus Semien was acquired by the New York Mets from the Texas Rangers in exchange for outfielder Brandon Nimmo, highlighting his three-year, $72 million contract and his defensive value, and notes how his arrival enabled the Mets to make further roster moves involving Jeff McNeil and Luisangel Acuña.
Mar 23 White Sox sign former Blue Jays, Red Sox catcher after Brewers re...  Reese McGuire
Reese McGuire, a 31‑year‑old catcher, has agreed to a one‑year, $1.2 million deal with the Chicago White Sox, returning for a second stint after being released by the Milwaukee Brewers. He is expected to serve as the backup catcher behind Edgar Quero while the team deals with Kyle Teel’s hamstring injury.
Mar 23 Dodgers' Teoscar Hernandez: Swats fourth spring homer - CBS Sport...  Teoscar Hernández
Teoscar Hernández contributed a solo home run and a two‑run single in a spring game, and his hot spring batting line (.457/.490/.804) ties him for most homers on the Dodgers, indicating a productive start to the season. No specific opponent or final score is provided in the excerpt.
Mar 25 Yankees officially sign 212-HR outfielder for Opening Day - sport...  Randal Grichuk
The Yankees have officially signed outfielder Randal Grichuk to a $2.5 million major‑league contract, adding him to the active roster for Opening Day after a non‑roster invite to spring training. The move marks a new chapter in Grichuk’s career as he joins New York for the 2025 season.
Mar 27 Angels' Jordan Romano: Notches save in opener - CBS Sports  Jordan Romano
Jordan Romano recorded a save in the Angels' 3-0 victory over the Houston Astros on opening day, striking out one batter and issuing a walk in a scoreless ninth inning while sharing closing duties with Drew Pomeranz due to injuries to other relievers.
Mar 27 Sources: Pitcher Shane Baz, Orioles finalizing 5-year, $68M deal ...  Chris Bassitt
The Orioles added free‑agent pitcher Chris Bassitt to their rotation as part of their offseason acquisitions, highlighting his role in bolstering Baltimore's starting staff.
Mar 28 Angels' Jordan Romano: Works ninth again in Friday's win - CBS Sp...  Jordan Romano
Jordan Romano recorded a save in the Angels' season opener, working back‑to‑back days, striking out Joey Loperfido and Yordan Alvarez while throwing 95.7 mph fastballs, and appears to be the team's top high‑leverage option until Kirby Yates returns from injury.
Mar 29 White Sox's Anthony Kay: No decision in first start of 2026 - CBS...  Anthony Kay
The piece notes that the White Sox have awarded Anthony Kay a $12 million contract and describes his recent outing, where he allowed a two‑run homer to Gary Sanchez and was pulled after five innings despite solid run support. It also mentions his upcoming start against the Blue Jays.

Transactions

Ex-Blue Jay
Mar 25 New York Yankees selected the contract of RF Randal Grichuk from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. SE Randal Grichuk
Mar 25 San Diego Padres placed RHP Jason Adam on the 15-day injured list. Left quad surgery. SC Jason Adam
Mar 25 Gwinnett Stripers released RHP Sean Reid-Foley. REL Sean Reid-Foley
Mar 25 Houston Astros placed RHP Nate Pearson on the 15-day injured list. Right elbow surgery recovery. SC Nate Pearson
Mar 25 San Diego Padres selected the contract of 1B Ty France from El Paso Chihuahuas. SE Ty France
Mar 25 Arizona Diamondbacks placed LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 22, 2026. Recovery from right ACL surgery. SC Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
Mar 25 Milwaukee Brewers placed RF Steward Berroa on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 22, 2026. Right shoulder strain. SC Steward Berroa
Mar 25 Toronto Blue Jays designated SS Leo Jiménez for assignment. DES Leo Jiménez
Mar 25 Houston Astros activated LF Joey Loperfido. SC Joey Loperfido
Mar 25 San Diego Padres placed 3B Will Wagner on the 10-day injured list. Right oblique strain. SC Will Wagner
Mar 26 RHP Thomas Hatch assigned to Reno Aces. ASG Thomas Hatch
Mar 26 LHP Richard Lovelady changed number to 55. NUM Richard Lovelady
Mar 27 Reno Aces placed RHP Derek Law on the 7-day injured list. SC Derek Law
Mar 27 Nashville Sounds placed LHP Thomas Pannone on the 7-day injured list. SC Thomas Pannone
Mar 27 St. Paul Saints placed RHP Julian Merryweather on the 7-day injured list. SC Julian Merryweather
Mar 27 Iowa Cubs placed RHP Trent Thornton on the 7-day injured list. SC Trent Thornton
Mar 27 RHP Nick Robertson assigned to Tulsa Drillers from Oklahoma City Comets. ASG Nick Robertson
Mar 28 San Diego Padres sent RHP Jason Adam on a rehab assignment to El Paso Chihuahuas. ASG Jason Adam
Mar 28 Washington Nationals sent RHP Paxton Schultz on a rehab assignment to Rochester Red Wings. ASG Paxton Schultz
Mar 29 Los Angeles Angels selected the contract of RHP Shaun Anderson from Salt Lake Bees. SE Shaun Anderson
Mar 29 Toronto Blue Jays traded SS Leo Jiménez to Miami Marlins for SS Dub Gleed and Future Considerations. TR Leo Jiménez

Blue Jays opponents this week

ex-Blue Jays
Mar 30 - Apr 1 home to the Colorado Rockies
Apr 3 - Apr 5 at the Chicago White Sox Reese McGuireLenyn SosaSeranthony DomínguezAnthony KayJordan HicksBrandon Eisert

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