After a tough road trip, the Blue Jays had a reason to smile as centre-fielder Daulton Varsho made his return from injury ahead of Tuesday’s home game against the Red Sox. Though Toronto fell 10-2, Varsho delivered a jaw-dropping catch in the fourth inning, showcasing the elite defense that earned him the 2024 Fielding Bible’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Varsho had been sidelined since September due to a torn rotator cuff, undergoing surgery and enduring a long seven-and-a-half-month recovery. During spring training, he was limited to designated hitter duties, hitting four home runs—more than any current Blue Jay through the first 28 games. He eventually played rehab games in Dunedin and Buffalo before rejoining the team.
In his return, Varsho went hitless in three at-bats but walked once and struck out twice. Despite the offensive drought, his presence in the outfield—and the clubhouse—is a big boost. Teammates like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and manager John Schneider praised Varsho’s impact, emphasizing they’re not asking him to carry the team, just to be himself.
Though his bat hasn’t quite matched his glove—posting a below-average OPS+ in Toronto—Varsho’s defensive skills and experience remain invaluable, especially with the team struggling, having lost seven of their last eight games. His return also led to rookie Will Wagner being sent down to clear a roster spot.