The Blue Jays are looking to make one last push for the playoffs, and they are doing all they can to have all possible hands on deck.
As the Toronto Blue Jays make a final playoff push over the final nine games of the season, the team is trying to bring in some reinforcements.
On Friday, before a crucial series opener against the Texas Rangers, we got critical updates on the rehabbing Trey Yesavage and Anthony Santander from Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.
Here's what you need to know.
About Santander
The slugging outfielder/DH, who was signed to a five-year deal before the 2025 season, has not played at all this season because of right labrum surgery. He only played 54 games in 2025 because of the shoulder, so this has been basically a lost Toronto tenure for him so far.
He's played in two rehab games for Triple-A Buffalo, but has not played in more than a week because of back issues. The Blue Jays are set to play him 5-7 innings in the outfield on Friday in Buffalo, and if all goes well, they'll DH him on Saturday. The goal is for him to play a full outfield game on Sunday.
If he's ready to come back after that, the Blue Jays can activate him on Monday. If he's not, he can keep working out in Buffalo and be ready for a potential call.
Obviously, getting back a guy who hit 44 home runs in 2024 is enticing, but given how little Santander has played, and how much discomfort he's been in for two years, it still feels optimistic.
As for Yesavage
Zwelling reports that Yesavage threw a bullpen in Texas on Friday and that he could be activated on Sunday or Monday. Manager John Schneider makes it seem like Monday is more likely, though it's still somewhat unclear exactly how he'll help this team.
Will he start? Relieve? Serve as an opener? He's been on the injured list since early August and has only made one rehab start (34 pitches), so he doesn't figure to be able to go deep into a game, regardless of the role.
This year, he's gone 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA, tossing 93.2 innings. Unfortunately, he's been on the injured list twice. The first time was with shoulder issues and the second time was with this knee, which he had surgery on.
Playoff update
The Jays enter play on Friday at 76-77 and two games back of the Cleveland Guardians in the battle for the wild card. They are tied with the Rangers, which makes this weekend series even more important.
