Blue Jays reinstate Arrighetti, recall Schneider, place Smith on injured list

By Liam Tremblay — 21 August 2026 — 3 min read

Blue Jays Make Roster Adjustments Ahead of Yankees Series

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced several roster changes in advance of their Friday night game against the New York Yankees. Among the moves, pitcher Spencer Arrighetti has been reinstated from the 15-day injured list, and Davis Schneider has been recalled from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

These adjustments also include placing recent acquisition Josh Smith on the 10-day injured list due to left hamstring inflammation. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Brendan Cellucci has been optioned to Triple-A as a corresponding transaction. These moves aim to optimize the team’s lineup as they prepare for upcoming games.

Brett Bateman is also back in the lineup, batting leadoff and playing centre field. This follows his exit from Wednesday’s game due to right hamstring tightness and taking Thursday off for recovery.

Arrighetti’s Return and Injury Details

Spencer Arrighetti, who was acquired in a trade with the Houston Astros for Daulton Varsho, had been sidelined with Morton’s neuroma. This condition involves a damaged or enlarged nerve, causing pain in the bottom of the foot. His return to the active roster is a notable development for the team.

Arrighetti’s path back to the major leagues involved a rehabilitation outing at Triple-A, where he allowed two runs on three hits. During this appearance, he struck out three batters and walked two over 3.2 innings, throwing 50 pitches. This outing provided an encouraging sign for his recovery.

A key factor in Arrighetti’s recovery appears to be a change in footwear. He reported no pain in his right foot during a recent outing after switching to a different cleat and utilizing a new insole. The team staff created custom insoles to support the irritated nerve area, providing stability and alleviating discomfort. Arrighetti indicated that he has not experienced pain since making this adjustment.

This simple solution to his foot problem has been a positive development, especially given that the Blue Jays acquired Arrighetti with a significant role in mind for their rotation. His ability to return healthy could provide the team with an important asset for their playoff push and the following season. This is particularly relevant as the team aimed to build a younger, more sustainable rotation through recent trades.

Prior to his injury, Arrighetti had a 4.60 ERA this year, recording 87 strikeouts and 50 walks over 88 major-league innings.

Other Roster Changes and Player Performances

Meanwhile, Davis Schneider, recalled from Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, has faced challenges in the major leagues this season. He has a slash line of .142/.295/.274 with three home runs and 12 RBIs across 61 games. His performance with the Bisons has been more successful, where he posted a .219/.465/.429 line with six homers and 21 RBIs in 37 games.

Josh Smith, another deadline acquisition obtained in a trade for Canadian lefty Adam Macko, had been performing well since joining the Blue Jays. The 29-year-old utility player recorded a pair of home runs and a .787 OPS over 14 games with the team before being placed on the injured list.

Brendan Cellucci, also 29, was called up earlier but did not make an appearance with the Blue Jays and has yet to make his MLB debut. His optioning to Triple-A is a corresponding move to the other roster adjustments.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider mentioned that Spencer Arrighetti could serve as a bulk option behind opener Mason Fluharty in the upcoming game against the Yankees on Friday.

Source: sportsnet.ca