Blue Jays move Danny Jansen to paternity list, weakening big league catching corps

Danny Jansen has been placed on the Paternity List, the Blue Jays announced Monday afternoon. That means Alejandro Kirk likely takes over behind the plate for the next three games while Jansen is away.

Catcher Brian Serven was called up from Buffalo to take Jansen’s spot on the active roster and serve as Kirk’s backup. Serven was with the Jays earlier this season while Jansen recovered from a broken bone in his wrist.

Jansen, 29, has appeared in 50 games this year. He has five home runs with 16 RBI and 23 runs, with an OPS of .714 and a .316 on-base percentage. But Jansen has struggled recently, with just eight hits and three RBI in the entire month of June. He also hasn't hit a home run since May 20.

Jansen is one of a few Blue Jays reportedly on the trading block, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. Jansen is a free agent at the end of the 2024 season.

Like many Blue Jay hitters, Kirk has had some difficulties at the plate in 2024. The 25-year-old has seen a power shortage this year, with only two home runs and six doubles in 44 games, while hitting .206 with a .289 OBP and a .587 OPS. What may be surprising, however, is Kirk has been efficient at throwing out runners. Kirk has thrown out 12 of the 38 base runners who've tried to steal against him, a 31.6 percent clip that is fourth in the American League.

Despite a strong spring, Serven has appeared in seven games with Toronto this season, going 0 for 8 in 10 plate appearances, with one walk, one run and four strikeouts. Serven has faired much better in Buffalo. In 34 games with the Bisons, Serven has three home runs, five doubles and 14 RBI. He was hitting .270 with a .396 OBP and a .787 OPS.