The Toronto Blue Jays made a key roster move ahead of their series in Seattle, calling up versatile infielder Michael Stefanic from triple-A Buffalo to bolster an injury-depleted infield. The move comes as second baseman Andrés Giménez was placed on the 10-day injured list with a quad injury that left the team shorthanded during Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.
Stefanic, 29, joins the club at a pivotal time, providing a steady contact bat and defensive flexibility. Known for his plate discipline and ability to avoid strikeouts, Stefanic brings depth at second base, shortstop, and third—skills that could prove valuable as the Blue Jays navigate their West Coast swing. Though not known for his power, Stefanic offers a consistent presence at the plate and is expected to help stabilize the infield during Giménez’s absence.
Ironically, Stefanic’s first series with the Blue Jays comes in Seattle—just missing a potential reunion with the Angels, where he played parts of the last three seasons. His path to the majors has been anything but conventional; undrafted out of college and once on the verge of taking a legal assistant job, Stefanic’s rise to the big leagues by age 26 is a testament to perseverance.
To create space on the 40-man roster for Stefanic, Toronto designated reliever Dillon Tate for assignment. Tate had been optioned to Buffalo just a day prior. While there’s a chance he could be claimed by another team, the right-hander can opt for free agency if he clears waivers. Notably, Tate wore #9 during his brief stint, becoming only the seventh full-time pitcher in Blue Jays history to don a single-digit uniform number—a rare distinction in Toronto’s clubhouse lore.
As the Blue Jays continue their push to stay competitive in a tight AL race, Stefanic’s arrival offers both a practical solution to an immediate roster need and a feel-good story of grit and opportunity.
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