TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have been treading water for two months. With All-Stars on the injured list and core players struggling, Toronto floated in and out of a playoff spot for weeks.In a way, despite a 32-34 record, the Jays have accomplished their goal. “Stay afloat” became a common adage in Toronto’s clubhouse throughout its slow start. Survive, then when the big boys get hot and the key pieces return, thrive.“Hopefully, when all those other guys get back, we’ll still have that vibe going,” George Springer said in late April.Even in a messy American League, though, they can’t tread all season. With Dylan Cease, Max Scherzer and Alejandro Kirk all set to return from the IL this week, and Shane Bieber and Addison Barger close behind, Toronto’s injured list is clearing up. The roster will look a lot more like the ideal version.So it’s time to find out who the 2026 Blue Jays really are. It’s time to start swimming.“I think we just need guys that we are counting on to continue to go,” manager John Schneider said, “and then those guys getting back will be very, very, very welcome. You just need guys to do what they’re supposed to do.”Injuries, Schneider has repeatedly made clear, are not an excuse for Toronto’s slow start. That’s what a manager has to say. They are, at least, a partial explanation. Five of the club’s nine highest-paid players have spent at least a couple of weeks on the IL. Five of their top six starting pitchers, by preseason projected fWAR, have also hit the shelf.