Blue Jays RHP Ponce likely out for season because of knee surgery; Kirk to miss at least 6 weeks

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Cody Ponce is expected to miss at least six months after undergoing surgery to repair his injured right knee, an absence that will almost certainly sideline him for the remainder of the season. The procedure comes after Ponce exited his first big-league appearance on March 30 following an abbreviated outing.

The injury represents a significant setback for the 29-year-old, who was attempting to secure a spot in Toronto’s pitching staff this spring. Ponce had recorded only one official game before the knee issue surfaced, leaving his campaign in limbo after just a handful of innings.

In a related blow to the club’s depth, catcher Alejandro Kirk is projected to be out for a minimum of six weeks, further testing the Blue Jays’ roster resilience early in the year.