KBO MVP Ponce Injured in Blue Jays Debut, Taken Off Field by Medical Cart

Cody Ponce was taken off the field by a medical cart due to injury during his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre today. This was the pitcher's first MLB appearance since 2021, concluding in such a challenging way.

In the third inning, as Ponce charged toward first base to field a ground ball hit by Rockies' Jake McCarthy, he made an error while bending down to catch it. When he tried to adjust his body to retrieve the ball, he suddenly felt severe pain in the back of his right leg and immediately collapsed onto the infield dirt.

The Blue Jays medical team quickly rushed onto the field, followed by manager John Schneider, and a medical cart was promptly called to transport him off the field. Assisted by staff as he stood up and walked toward the cart, Ponce still showed signs of pain on his face.

Such a scene is hard for any player to endure, especially for Ponce. He spent three seasons in Japan and one season in Korea refining his pitching technique before returning to MLB. Ponce performed excellently in the KBO during the 2025 season, pitching 180.2 innings with a 1.89 ERA and 252 strikeouts, earning himself a three-year, $30 million contract with the Blue Jays.

Further updates are expected later.