Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho Sees Brutal Decline After Shoulder Injury

Q: What caused Daulton Varsho's decline in performance?

Daulton Varsho's decline in performance is attributed to a shoulder injury he sustained earlier in the season.

Q: How is the Toronto Blue Jays' current season performance compared to last year?

The Toronto Blue Jays currently have a losing record, which is a stark contrast to their successful run to the World Series last year.

Q: What are the implications of the Blue Jays' losing record in the American League East?

The Blue Jays' losing record places them among only two teams in the American League East with a negative win-loss ratio, raising concerns about their playoff prospects.

Q: What changes did the Blue Jays make in the offseason after last year's success?

The Blue Jays made several blockbuster moves in the offseason aimed at building on their previous success, but these changes have not yet translated into wins this season.

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 27: Daulton Varsho #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs to the dugout during a game against the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre on August 27, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

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The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t been able to carry the momentum of their Cinderella run to last year’s World Series into the new season, and they now sit as one of only two teams in the American League East division with a losing record.

Though the season is still very young, the Blue Jays’ struggles have been a surprise given their league pennant from last year and the blockbuster offseason that followed.

But a series of preseason and early-season injuries to key players has taken its toll so far.

“Just as the Toronto Blue Jays rattled off a couple of wins and made it through a few days without a major injury, designated hitter George Springer left Saturday’s 7-4 loss against the Minnesota Twins with a left big toe fracture,” The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon wrote of the latest blow to the team. “Manager John Schneider will have to get creative with lineups, as the Jays continue to work through injuries.”

Toronto Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho Struggles As Team Injuries Pile Up

But injuries aren’t the only cause for concern in Toronto as some position players are off to slow starts. Springer was batting just .189 entering Saturday’s game. And franchise slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has just one home run so far.

And on the defensive side, key outfielder Daulton Varsho has looked out of sorts since returning from an injury of his own and other teams appear to be taking advantage.

“Daulton Varsho’s arm strength has yet to return since he underwent shoulder surgery prior to the 2025 season and opposing teams have taken notice,” Mike Wilner noted for the Toronto Star. “While the 2026 Statcast leaderboards have yet to be released, Varsho finished last year ranked in the bottom fifth percentile for arm strength. He was in the 40th before his surgery.”

Varsho injured his shoulder late in the 2024 campaign and saw his season end as he underwent rotator cuff surgery. Though he returned as a key piece for the Blue Jays last year, he has returned with a slow start at the plate along with his defensive regression so far in this season.

Los Angeles Dodgers Exploit Toronto Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho

And competitors are evidently taking advantage of his declining defense.

During the recent series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, speedy infielder Hyeseong Kim advanced from first to second as the team seemed to recognize that Varsho would be unable to make a strong throw.

“Taking the extra base is a trend that figures to continue until Varsho proves his velocity is back,” Wilner added.

As the Blue Jays look to bounce back from a harsh series of injuries this season, Varsho appears to have some work to do to fully recover from his own setback.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com