The Blue Jays couldn’t get anything going against right-hander Walker Buehler in this one, but they pounced as soon as he exited in the seventh. There, Heineman delivered an RBI single into left to tie the game at 1-1 and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in the go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice. Heineman also singled off of Aroldis Chapman to start the ninth inning and swiped second base, but the Jays couldn’t cash him in. With his three-hit afternoon, the 33-year-old backstop is now hitting .500 (9-for-18) with a homer and two RBI in his limited action with the Jays this season.

Heineman was told earlier today that he’s made the Jays as their backup catcher over Christian Bethancourt. It’s not surprising, given that Heineman was kept on the 40-man all winter. We’d say Bethancourt is the better player, but it’s a major achievement for Heineman, who is 33 and has never been more than an injury replacement before this. He’s a career .212/.298/.273 hitter in 299 plate appearances over five seasons.

He’ll apparently step right in as Alejandro Kirk’s backup after the move to DFA Brian Serven. This is Heineman’s third stint with the Jays; he went 4-for-15 for them in 2022 before being lost on waivers to the Pirates and 8-for-29 for them last year after being reacquired in trade. He was later lost on waivers after the season. The 33-year-old is a lifetime .216/.297/.280 hitter in 286 plate appearances.

Heineman was booted off the 40-man roster to make room for Zach Penrod. He had just two at-bats with the Red Sox this year as the break glass in case of emergency organizational depth catcher.