Update, Sept. 5: According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, Santander is indeed expected to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday for Triple-A Buffalo. The Blue Jays lead the Yankees by three games in the American League East entering play on Friday night.
Wednesday, Sept. 3: According to a report from Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander could be back from the injured list with about two weeks to go in the regular season.
Zwelling reports that Santander could start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo next Tuesday. He will play at least five rehab games.
He has been on the injured list since May 30 with a left shoulder issue.
The Santander story
Signed to a five-year, $92 million deal in the offseason, Santander was supposed to pair with Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to make up one of the most feared trios in the American League, and while the latter two have hit well, it's been a struggle for Santander.
In addition to the 60-day injured list stint, he's played in just 50 games, hitting .179 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. He hit 44 home runs and drove in 102 runs during his final season with the Baltimore Orioles (2024).
Assuming he returns healthy, he could play in the outfield, but figures to see most of his time at designated hitter. With the Blue Jays battling for an American League East title, there's no guarantee that he will see every day repetitions, despite his lofty contract.
Lineup impact
The Blue Jays have a solid defensive outfield with Gold Glover Daulton Varsho and the strong-armed Addison Barger, and George Springer is also a valuable part of the outfield rotation. There isn't an easy opening for Santander, unless the Jays are willing to sacrifice defense for potential offense.
Vladimir Guerrero, who played designated hitter on Wednesday, can return to first base, but that would return Ty France to the bench, who is hitting .313 with Toronto over 25 games (entering play on Wednesday).
What's next
While Santander works back, the Blue Jays will open up a big three-game series with the Yankees on Friday night at Yankee Stadium. Kevin Gausman will take the mound.