Blue Jays' Shane Bieber: Close to facing hitters
Update: Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Bieber (elbow) threw a "two-up" bullpen session Wednesday, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic.
The right-hander essentially threw the equivalent of two innings, with a break in between the frames to simulate a game situation. Bieber is in line to throw another two-up session next week before moving on to facing hitters for the first time this season.
Though Bieber staged a successful return from Tommy John surgery in the second half of last season, he doesn't appear on track to make his 2026 debut until June while he's been brought along slowly since the start of spring training after experiencing forearm fatigue following Toronto's run to the World Series last fall.
Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk: Set to begin hitting this weekend
Update: Kirk (thumb) is expected to begin hitting this weekend, according to Brian Murphy of MLB.com.
The backstop has been sidelined since April 3 due to a fractured thumb that required surgery, but Kirk's recovery is proceeding without setbacks and the Blue Jays remain optimistic he'll be back before the end of May.
In his absence, Brandon Valenzuela and Tyler Heineman will continue to split catching duties.
Blue Jays' Addison Barger: Still aiming for Friday return
Update: Barger (ankles) went 1-for-4 with a solo home run for Single-A Dunedin on Wednesday in what is expected to be his final rehab game before returning from the 10-day injured list.
The 26-year-old has gone yard twice in three rehab games for Dunedin.