Jays activate CF Daulton Varsho; RHP Shane Bieber expected back Monday

Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho was activated from the 10-day injured list on Saturday and was in the starting lineup against the Chicago Cubs.

In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays optioned infielder Charles McAdoo to Triple-A Buffalo. Toronto also activated right-handed reliever Lazaro Estrada from the 60-day IL and optioned left-handed reliever Brendon Little to Buffalo.

Varsho, 29, landed on the IL on June 12 (retroactive to June 10) due to inflammation in his left wrist, but made significant progress in recent days to warrant his activation without a rehab assignment.

"I think just how he felt physically, hitting off the machine, hitting velo back-to-back days and not really feeling it," Toronto manager John Schneider told reporters before Saturday's game. "Over the last four or five days, he made a lot of progress. So he's back in there. He's in center."

Over 64 games this season entering Saturday, Varsho -- who won the Gold Glove in 2024 -- hit .256 with five home runs, five stolen bases and 17 RBIs while playing stellar defense in center.

In other injury news, the Blue Jays are expected to activate right-handed starter Shane Bieber on Monday for his season debut against the Houston Astros. Bieber, 31, has been on the 60-day IL with right elbow inflammation but recently completed a minor-league rehab assignment.

Outfielder Addison Barger, out since May with right elbow inflammation, is expected to begin facing live pitching and could begin a rehab assignment soon. He missed time earlier this season with a sprained ankle. Limited to nine games this season, Barger has one hit in 22 at-bats, two RBIs and two runs.

McAdoo, 24, has hit .160 with one home run and three RBIs in eight games this season.

Estrada, 27, has pitched in one game this season, tossing four scoreless innings of relief.

Little, 29, has a 27.00 ERA this season, allowing 15 runs (14 earned) over six relief appearances.

--Field Level Media