​The Toronto Blue Jays’ final game before the MLB All-Star break could mark the major-league debut for CJ Van Eyk in the near future. The right-handed pitcher was promoted to Toronto’s 26-man roster ahead of the team’s July 12 clash in San Diego, while Chad Dallas was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to clear space on the roster. This sequence of moves signals a strategic reshuffle as the Jays head into the break, aiming to optimize their bullpen and pitching depth for the stretch run.
Van Eyk, 27, has spent the bulk of the season with Toronto’s top affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons, where he has delivered solid results. He compiled a 5-3 record with a 3.79 ERA across 17 appearances, including 13 starts, for Buffalo. Those numbers reflect his continued development within the Blue Jays’ system and position him as a potential bullpen option or spot starter if needed during the second half of the season. The promotion also marks the second full season Van Eyk has spent with Buffalo after a 2025 campaign in which he went 4-6 with a 4.94 ERA over 20 games, including 17 starts, in the International League. The Jays are hoping he can translate his success at the Triple-A level into effective major-league performances when opportunities arise.
Dallas, 26, had spent recent days with the Blue Jays as well, appearing out of the bullpen in two games this season and posting a 1-0 record with a 1.93 ERA. His latest major-league stint proved brief, lasting just five days before the latest roster move sent him back to Buffalo. The brief call-up underscores the flexibility and depth the Blue Jays are aiming to cultivate in their pitching staff as they prepare for post-break competition.
The timing of Van Eyk’s call-up hints at how Toronto might utilize him in the near term. It is anticipated that he could be secured in the bullpen, potentially ready to relieve in relief of starter Kevin Gausman when needed. The Padres’ lineup features German Márquez as the scheduled starting pitcher for San Diego, which could influence how Toronto deploys its fresh call-up and bullpen assignments this weekend. The move could also reflect the Jays’ broader strategy of balancing veteran presence with young, high-upside arms as they approach the second half of the season.
As always with midseason roster adjustments, the Blue Jays’ decision to elevate Van Eyk and shuttle Dallas to Buffalo is part of a broader plan to optimize performance and depth for a demanding portion of the schedule. The club will assess performance, matchup needs, and health considerations in making further decisions as All-Star festivities conclude and teams resume play. Additional updates and details on this developing story are expected in the days ahead, as Toronto continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the American League and position itself for a strong push toward the postseason. More to come on this story as the Jays’ plans unfold and Van Eyk’s potential major-league debut draws closer.