Blue Jays: Tony Fernandez in critical condition due to kidney complications

According to sports journalist Hector Gomez, former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Tony Fernandez is once again in critical condition due to kidney complications.

Tony Fernandez suffers from Polycystic Kidney Disease which is an inherited disorder where clusters of cysts attack the kidneys and eventually render them ineffective over time. Fernandez was hospitalized in 2017 and could barely speak due to the disease, however, his prognosis drastically improved and he was released following a week-long stay.

It would appear that Fernandez is once again in for another battle with the disease as he attempts to avoid the clutches of the life-threatening disorder. Once the news hit social media yesterday, an outpouring of prayers and well wishes from former teammates and fans overtook Twitter and other media platforms.

Fernandez had four separate tenures north of the border spanning over 12 seasons and is arguably the best shortstop in franchise history. The 57-year old was enshrined on the Level of Excellence at the Rogers Centre and was also inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day
• Blue Jays win important first game after Bichette’s late inning heroics

Fernandez made his MLB debut with the Jays in 1983 winning the first of four consecutive Gold Gloves in 1986. He along with Fred McGriff was traded to the San Diego Padres in the offseason of 1990 in exchange for Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter. The transaction still lives on as the biggest trade in Blue Jays history.

The Jays would reacquire Fernandez in the summer of 1993 from the New York Mets for outfielder Darrin Jackson. Fernandez would enjoy a World Series championship with the Blue Jays before signing on with the Reds as a free agent that offseason.

The native of the Dominican Republic would land back in Toronto for a third time signing as a free agent at the end of the 1997 season. He would spend another two seasons with the Blue Jays before taking his talents to Milwaukee.

In fitting fashion, Fernandez would return to Canada for the fourth time ending his 17-year career as a member of the Blue Jays in 2001. The shortstop sports a career .288/.347/.399 slash line with 246 stolen bases and a 45.3 WAR over 2158 MLB games.

Here is hoping with thoughts and prayers from Jays nation that Fernandez can once again overcome his kidney battle. Get well Tony, we are all praying for you north of the border!