The Toronto Blue Jays have recently finalized two significant roster changes. They placed pitcher Bowden Francis on the 60-day injured list and claimed infielder Ben Cowles from the Chicago Cubs.
Injury Update on Bowden Francis
Bowden Francis underwent reconstructive surgery on his UCL, affecting his throwing elbow. This procedure will sideline him for the entire 2026 season, as recovery generally takes at least 12 months.
Francis had a challenging 2025 season. He recorded a 6.05 earned-run average over 14 starts. Despite being viewed as a crucial piece of the pitching rotation, he struggled significantly and was previously diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement. His injury in June prevented him from continuing the season.
Toronto Blue Jays Welcome Ben Cowles
Ben Cowles, a 26-year-old native of Rochester, New York, has been claimed by the Blue Jays. He was recently designated for assignment by the Cubs. Cowles has been a part of several minor league teams since being drafted in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft by the New York Yankees.
During the 2025 season, Cowles played across two teams, the Cubs and the White Sox, in Triple-A. He had a batting average of .235 with nine home runs across 128 games.
Cowles’s Minor League Experience
Cowles has substantial experience in the minor leagues, having played in 459 career games. His versatility is evident in his positional play, with significant starts at various infield positions:
- 216 starts at shortstop
- 140 starts at second base
- 92 starts at third base
With these roster changes, the Toronto Blue Jays are making adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming season. Francis’s absence will be felt, while Cowles’s addition may strengthen their infield depth.
