The Toronto Blue Jays are beginning the get some clarity concerning the status of one of their big bats.
Outfielder Anthony Santander, who has been sidelined since before spring training, could resume hitting within the week and a return in August isn’t out of the question, manager John Schneider told reporters Thursday.
Santander has missed the entirety of the regular season and spring training after undergoing surgery to repair a labral tear in his left shoulder.
According to Schneider, should Santander resume hitting this week, he’ll still essentially require a full spring training build-up, but “he could definitely be a factor” down the stretch.
Signed by the Blue Jays ahead of the 2025 season, Santander missed most of that first campaign with an injury to the same shoulder, but managed to return in late September and suited up for a handful of post-season games during the team’s run to the World Series.
Over his 54 regular-season games, Santander struggled to the tune of a .175 batting average with a .565 OPS and only six home runs. His last appearance came in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners.
He signed with Toronto on a five-year, $92.5 million contract after hitting 44 home runs the season prior with the Baltimore Orioles.
The 26-year-old has only suited up for nine games with the Jays this season after missing most of April, returning for one game in early May, then hitting the injured list once again with right elbow inflammation. He’s batting .045 with a .305 OPS in his limited action this year.
Barger’s return to play still isn’t set in stone, as the team has yet to figure out a regab assignment date and it’s possible he doesn’t get back into games until next week.
Meanwhile, Lenyn Sosa — who was placed on the IL in late May with a right wrist contusion — is hitting and doing defensive work at the Blue Jays’ complex in Florida. He may begin a rehab assignment next week.
Acquired by the Blue Jays from the White Sox in April, Sosa has only hit .188 with one home run and one walk in 28 games.
With six wins in their last 10 games, the Toronto Blue Jays look for a sweep against the Boston Red Sox, with coverage on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT.