Andy Dirks
LF FA
Thu 4/23/15 11:32 AM

Dirks was released by the Blue Jays on Thursday, Tony Paul of the Detroit News reports. Dirks was brought on board in January, but he continues to battle a back injury, which has prevented him from seeing the field thus far in 2015. After appearing in 131 games for the Tigers in 2013, Dirks played in just 14 minor league contests in 2014. He's only 29 years old, but he'll need to prove he's capable of staying healthy before returning to the majors becomes a real possibility.

Andy Dirks
LF FA
Sun 3/29/15 10:32 AM

Dirks (back) remains in minor-league camp as he continues to recover from a back injury that cost him all of the 2014 season. Dirks was signed in January in hopes of being able to help contribute at bats against right handed pitching, but is recovering slowly from the injuries that held him out of the entire 2014 season. Dirks had a fairly strong season in 2013, hitting .256 with nine home runs and 37 RBI in 131 games, but without a single major league at bat in 2014 and an extended stint in minor league camp, coupled with Michael Saunders' expedited return from a knee injury leaves Dirks on the outside looking in when it comes to playing time. Dirks has limited fantasy value even when healthy and with this back injury, his value only plummets from there.

Andy Dirks
LF FA
Thu 2/26/15 4:27 PM

Dirks (back) is expected to resume baseball activities in 7-to-10 days, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports. The 29-year-old reported to minor league camp to continue rehabbing the back injury that cost him all of 2014, but he could join major league camp before long and enter the mix for left-field playing time. Michael Saunders is set to miss the entire first half due a torn meniscus in his knee. Dirks hit .256/.323/.363 with nine homers and 37 RBI in 131 games (484 PA) with the Tigers in 2013.

Andy Dirks
LF FA
Thu 2/12/15 2:28 PM

Dirks will report to minor league spring training to continue rehabbing his back, Brendan Kennedy of the Toronto Star reports.The 29-year-old underwent surgery in March to correct a lingering back issue, and was shut down from his rehab assignment in August due to a hamstring concern. It sounds like Dirks is still working himself back to full strength, and it's uncertain when he may be cleared to join major league camp for spring training. He inked a minor league deal with Toronto last month.

Andy Dirks
LF FA
Thu 1/15/15 2:46 PM

Dirks signed a minor league deal, which includes a spring training invite, with the Blue Jays on Thursday. The Jays declined to tender Dirks a contract in December, but they'll bring him back on minor league deal. The 28-year-old was limited to just 14 total games across three minor league levels last season due to back and hamstring injuries. In 2013, he hit .256/.323/.363 with 37 RBI in 438 at-bats for the Tigers.

Andy Dirks
LF FA
Wed 12/3/14 12:41 AM

The Blue Jays declined to tender Dirks a contract, the New York Post's Joel Sherman reports. Dirks was only claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays earlier this offseason, after 2014 amounted to a lost season with Detroit due to a hamstring injury. He has been a serviceable backup outfielder in the past, and will likely be able to catch on with another team this offseason.

Andy Dirks
LF FA
Fri 10/31/14 2:26 PM

Dirks was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports. He ended the season on the 60-day DL with a hamstring injury, but should be ready for the start of spring training to compete for a spot in the Jays' outfield, but more likely as a bench bat/left-handed platoon partner.

Andy Dirks
LF FA
Wed 8/20/14 5:53 PM

Dirks (hamstring) has been shut down after an MRI Wednesday revealed a Grade 1, partial Grade 2 hamstring strain, MLive's James Schmehl reports. He will return to High-A Lakeland to resume treatment as the Tigers simply want to get him healthy at this point, and it's possible he won't see game action again this season.

Andy Dirks
LF FA
Sun 8/17/14 10:14 PM

Dirks reinjured his hamstring during a rehab game with Triple-A Toledo on Sunday, John Wagner of the Toledo Blade reports. Dirks resumed playing Saturday after taking 10 days off to rest his hamstring, but it appears he did not sit out long enough. It's not initially clear how long this will further delay Dirks' return to the Tigers.

Andy Dirks
LF FA
Fri 8/15/14 6:08 PM

Dirks (hamstring) will resume his rehab assignment Saturday, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports. Dirks was taken off his rehab assignment Aug. 8 because he pulled his hamstring again, but appears ready to continue his road to recovery. It's unclear how long Dirks will require to return to the Tigers, but it seems as though it could be a while.