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League: MLBSport: BaseballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Blue Jays release catcher Patrick Winkel amid Brandon Valenzuela's rise

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 10:30 AM

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

Blue Jays release catcher Patrick Winkel amid Brandon Valenzuela's rise
Summary

The Toronto Blue Jays have released catcher Patrick Winkel from their Double-A affiliate, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. This move comes as Brandon Valenzuela has solidified his role as the primary backup to Alejandro Kirk following his offensive improvement. Valenzuela has shown notable progress this season, with a significant increase in his batting average and a reduced strikeout rate since changing his mechanics. With Valenzuela's emergence, the Blue Jays are reshaping their catching depth and may give him more opportunities in the lineup as the season progresses.

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Status Watch
  • •Toronto Blue Jays release catcher Patrick Winkel from Double-A affiliate.
  • •Brandon Valenzuela has become the clear backup to Alejandro Kirk.
  • •Valenzuela is hitting.265/.355/.470 since late April.
  • •The Blue Jays are adjusting their catching depth to include Valenzuela.
  • •Winkel's release indicates limited opportunities for catchers in the system.
Latest Updates
  • 10:30 AMYahoo Sports — Blue Jays Cut Ties With 26-Year-Old Backstop After Brandon Valenzuela Update
What they're saying
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The Toronto Blue Jays have released a catcher as they reshape their depth at the critical position.

Related Teams & Leagues
Minnesota TwinsTampa Bay RaysToronto Blue JaysAtlanta BravesNew York MetsMLBBaseball

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