John Klein has been recalled by the Toronto Blue Jays from Triple-A Buffalo as the club adds another right-handed arm for the final regular-season series.
Major League Baseball listed the move on September 25, 2026, with Klein recalled from the Buffalo Bisons.
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Why John Klein is back with Toronto
The Blue Jays made the move during their series against the Cincinnati Reds at Rogers Centre, with Toronto scheduled to complete the regular season against Cincinnati on September 26 and 27.
The recall gives Toronto another pitching option late in the season, when teams can use expanded roster flexibility to manage workloads and cover innings.
Klein’s promotion follows several pitching changes by the Blue Jays in September, including recalls from Buffalo and injured-list moves involving the major-league staff.
John Klein’s path to the Blue Jays
Toronto acquired Klein from the Minnesota Twins on August 3 as part of the trade that sent right-hander Jeff Hoffman to Minnesota.
The Blue Jays also received left-hander Dasan Hill, infielder Dameury Pena and additional considerations in that transaction, according to Klein’s official MLB transaction history.
Klein began the 2026 season in the Twins organization and made his major-league debut for Minnesota on May 2.
He appeared in three major-league games for the Twins before returning to the minors, finishing that initial MLB stint with 4.1 innings pitched, two strikeouts and a 4.15 earned-run average.
The 24-year-old right-hander is listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, and he throws right-handed.
What Klein adds to the pitching staff
Klein has worked primarily as a starter and long-relief option in the minor leagues, giving Toronto flexibility if the club needs multiple innings from its bullpen.
His 2026 minor-league record listed by MiLB.com was 2-4 with a 5.95 ERA, 92 strikeouts and a 1.61 WHIP over 84.2 innings.
Those numbers include his work across the minor-league season, while his short major-league résumé comes from his earlier appearances with Minnesota.
The move does not by itself indicate a permanent change to Toronto’s pitching plans, but it gives the club additional depth for the closing games of the schedule.
What comes next
Klein will be available for selection during Toronto’s remaining games against Cincinnati unless the club makes another roster move.
The Blue Jays entered the final weekend after being eliminated from postseason contention earlier in the week, making the late-season recall an opportunity to evaluate depth while completing the schedule.
For Klein, the move represents a chance to return to the major leagues with a new organization less than two months after joining Toronto.
His next appearance will determine whether the Blue Jays use him as a conventional reliever, a multi-inning option or an emergency starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is John Klein?
John Klein is a right-handed pitcher who joined the Toronto Blue Jays organization in an August 2026 trade with the Minnesota Twins.
When did the Blue Jays recall John Klein?
Toronto recalled Klein from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on September 25, 2026.
What position does John Klein play?
Klein is a right-handed pitcher who has worked as both a starter and a long-relief option in the minor leagues.
Has John Klein played in MLB before?
Yes. Klein made his major-league debut with the Minnesota Twins on May 2, 2026, before later joining Toronto.
What were John Klein’s 2026 minor-league numbers?
MiLB.com listed Klein at 2-4 with a 5.95 ERA, 92 strikeouts and a 1.61 WHIP over 84.2 minor-league innings in 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key roster, transaction and statistical details were checked against official MLB and Minor League Baseball records.
Disclaimer: Roster status and statistics can change as the Blue Jays complete the 2026 regular season.