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Reports: Blue Jays calling up top prospect Gabriel Moreno

Gabriel Moreno is the Blue Jays' top-ranked prospect. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Gabriel Moreno is the Blue Jays' top-ranked prospect. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

It's finally Gabriel Moreno time in Toronto.

The Blue Jays are calling up their top prospect and will activate him during this weekend's series against the Detroit Tigers, according to multiple reports.

Moreno represents the latest blue-chip prospect to reach the majors, joining the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Alek Manoah. Moreno is currently ranked as the fourth-best prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline.

The 22-year-old native of Venezuela has enjoyed a strong start to his triple-A campaign with the Buffalo Bisons, hitting .323 with an OPS of .783. He has struggled to hit for power, swatting just one home run and nine extra-base hits in 35 games.

Defensively, he is still honing his game-calling abilities, but his arm appears to be MLB-ready as he has thrown out 54 percent of would-be base stealers this season.

The timing makes sense to give Moreno his first taste of the big leagues. Toronto has won 11 of its past 14 games and the offence has been firing on all cylinders, so there is less pressure for the young backstop to arrive and make an immediate impact with the bat.

The Blue Jays found themselves with a need at catcher after veteran Danny Jansen went on the injured list on Tuesday with a fracture in his hand. Zack Collins was called up to replace Jansen on the active roster, and it’s unclear whether or not the Blue Jays will carry three catchers, at least temporarily.

Alejandro Kirk has established himself as an excellent option both offensively and defensively, building a legitimate All-Star case with a .322/.401/.477 slash line with five home runs through 48 games in 2022. He still figures to slot into Charlie Montoyo’s lineup on most days, either behind the plate or at designated hitter.

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