The Toronto Blue Jays opened spring training with a trio of devastating injury updates on Tuesday, as manager John Schneider announced that right-handed pitcher Shane Bieber will begin the year on the injured list, right-hander Bowden Francis will miss the season with Tommy John surgery and outfielder/DH Anthony Santander will miss five-to-six months with labrum surgery.

Even before the Blue Jays missed out on Kyle Tucker this offseason, we identified Santander as the most fascinating player for the Jays in 2026, and now he get won't get a chance to prove his value to the organization for several months.

After hitting 44 homers in 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles, Santander signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Jays before 2025. He hit only .176 with six homers and played only 54 games because of these shoulder problems.

Without him, it seems like George Springer will be penciled into the DH spot, Daulton Varsho will roam centerfield and Addison Barger should see substantial time in right.

As for the the third outfield spot? There are several options to make the roster and see time.

A 31-year-old, Lukes saw significant time in 2025, hitting .255 with 12 homers in 388 at-bats. He also posted 65 RBIs, showcasing some power and run-producing ability. He was a regular starter in the playoffs, appearing in 17 of 18 possible games, hitting .274 with eight RBIs.

A former Gold Glover, Straw is also 31 years old. Acquired before the 2025 season, he's known as a great clubhouse guy as well. A generally light hitter, he did hit .262 last season with 12 stolen bases, though he only posted an 87 OPS+.

The 27-year-old New Jersey native is a Swiss Army Knife who can play multiple positions. He hit .234 in 188 at-bats last season, but posted a 119 OPS+. He had 11 homers in his limited action and he homered off Blake Snell in Game 5 of the World Series.

Acquired at the trade deadline in 2024 from the Houston Astros, he's just 26 years old. He hit .333 with a 140 OPS+ in 2025, though it was only a 96 at-bat sample. He's under team control through 2030, so is this finally his opportunity to play regularly?

A speedster, and a switch-hitter, Clase was acquired from the Seattle Mariners during the 2024 season. He got 100 at-bats in 2025, hitting just .210. He's still only 23 years old.

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