In a roster‑shuffling move that could impact the Blue Jays’ push for the final American League wild‑card berth, Toronto designated outfielder Jesus Sanchez for assignment on Friday and promoted 30‑year‑old Rudy Martin Jr. from Triple‑A Buffalo.
Jesus Sanchez’s brief Blue Jays stint
Sanchez, 28, spent his first season with Toronto this year, posting a .260 batting average with eight home runs and 35 RBIs over 99 games. The former Miami Marlins (2020‑25) and Houston Astros (2025) veteran has a career line of .242, 81 homers, 110 doubles and 273 RBIs across seven major‑league campaigns.
Despite a solid offensive start, Sanchez’s recent performance slipped. After a promising .329 average in May, he went 22‑for‑102, a .216 clip, and struggled defensively in the outfield, prompting the club to make a change.
Rudy Martin Jr. gets his first major‑league opportunity
Martin, a 2014 25th‑round pick of the Kansas City Royals, has finally earned a major‑league roster spot. After being traded to the Baltimore Orioles in July 2024 and claimed by Toronto two days later, he spent the remainder of the season with Triple‑A Buffalo, where he hit .253 with three home runs, 11 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 27 games.
His minor‑league résumé includes 239 steals in 614 games, with 45 steals this season across Triple‑A and Double‑A assignments. Martin also has experience in the Mexican League and independent ball, underscoring a long, hard‑working journey to the big leagues.
Implications for the wild‑card race
At the time of the move, the Blue Jays (73‑74) trailed the Cleveland Guardians by a single game for the third and final American League wild‑card spot. Toronto will host the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night, a crucial series that could determine whether the club stays in contention.
The promotion of Martin adds speed and defensive versatility to the outfield, qualities that Toronto hopes will help close the gap with Cleveland. Meanwhile, the loss of Sanchez frees a roster spot for a player who can contribute immediately, especially in late‑inning situations where speed on the bases can be decisive.
Looking ahead
Blue Jays manager John Schneider will have to integrate Martin quickly, giving him opportunities to showcase his baserunning and defensive skills. If Martin can translate his minor‑league success to the major‑league level, he could become a valuable piece in Toronto’s late‑season push.
For fans, the roster change underscores the club’s commitment to fielding the most competitive team possible as the playoff race tightens. The next few games will reveal whether the gamble pays off and if the Blue Jays can secure that elusive wild‑card berth.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
