Cody Ponce injury: Blue Jays starter to miss ‘significant time’ with ACL sprain
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed starter Cody Ponce could miss the remainder of the 2026 Major League Baseball season after suffering an ACL sprain in his right knee. “Ponce will undergo further examination to determine if surgery is necessary, and at least he will miss ‘significant time’ with limited hope of being able to pitch again this season,” manager John Schneider told reporters Tuesday.
Ponce, 31, was injured Monday night while fielding in his start against the Colorado Rockies – his first MLB start since 2021, when he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates:
Shortly after, he was taken off the field, leading to speculation that he had indeed suffered a serious injury. He then underwent an MRI. The Blue Jays ultimately lost the game 14-5, although Ponce pitched solidly in 2 ⅓ innings before his injury.
The 2026 season marked Ponce’s return to the American major leagues after spending three seasons playing at the highest level in Japan, then one season in Korea and remaking himself as a pitcher. The success Ponce enjoyed in Asia, along with his increased speed and proficiency with the kick change, prompted the Jays to sign him to a three-year, $30 million contract last winter. Ponce’s dominant turn in Grapefruit League play has further raised hopes that he would be an important part of Toronto’s rotation as they aim to defend their American League pennant in 2026. The injury is therefore a serious personal blow for Ponce and also hurts the Jays’ chances in what appears to be a very competitive AL East this season.
More broadly, the Jays have serious health issues in the rotation. In addition to Ponce’s lengthy absence, José Berríos suffered a stress fracture in his elbow this spring and Shane Bieber is on the injured list with elbow inflammation. Additionally, last year’s October phenom Trey Yesavage, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, is on the IL with a shoulder impingement.
Heading into Tuesday’s games, the Blue Jays are 3-1 on their young season.
