Toronto Blue Jays Defensive Wizard Hits Home Run in First At-Bat Since Surgery

Daulton Varsho, now back from his rotator cuff surgery, went deep on the first pitch he saw on Friday.

Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (25) hits a double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Rogers Centre in 2024. | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

It was certainly a welcome back moment for Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho on Friday, as he homered in his first at-bat of the spring. Varsho hadn't played yet because of rotator cuff surgery that he underwent at the end of 2024.

Not only did he homer in first at-bat of the spring, he homered on the first pitch he saw. Keegan Matheson of MLB.com posted the video on social media.

Daulton Varsho, in his first at-bat of Spring Training, just launched a home run.

Absolute no-doubter. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/VcteYiDTRA

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) February 28, 2025

Varsho's presence in the Jays lineup is certainly a big one, seeing as how he won the Gold Glove in center field last season. However, it's unclear if he'll be ready to play defense by Opening Day. Nonetheless, the Blue Jays pitching staff will also appreciate him coming back whenever that is, as he's a superior defender at this point to George Springer and Anthony Santander, who will be flanking him on the corners.

Seeing a first pitch home run is also a good sign for Varsho at the plate, since his bat has lagged the last few seasons. Since arriving in Toronto, he's hit just .217 with a .289 on-base percentage. He still does have power, hitting 38 homers in those two seasons. He had 18 homers last season, playing in 136 games before the shoulder injury.

The Blue Jays are coming off a last-place finish in the American League East last season, having finished 74-88. In addition to getting Varsho back from injury, they've gone out and added Santander, Max Scherzer, Andres Gimenez, Jeff Hoffman and Yimi Garcia.

However, they've failed to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr., meaning he'll become a free agent at the end of the year. That's a blight on the entire offseason.

Related MLB Stories

HENDERSON EXITS: Andrew Benintendi wasn't the only player to leave a spring game early on Thursday, as Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson left also. CLICK HERE:

HOERNER ON THE MEND: Nico Hoerner, who had flexor tendon surgery in the offseason, won't travel to Toyko for the season-opening Tokyo Series. CLICK HERE:

JUDGE HONORS DAUGHTER: Aaron Judge's custom glove was all over social media on Thursday. CLICK HERE:

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.