TORONTO – Toronto Blue Jays left-fielder Michael Saunders is expected to resume his rehab assignment with single-A Dunedin either Thursday or Friday after taking a few days off to rest some tightness in his right hamstring.
Saunders ran sprints and the bases Wednesday, ramping back up after leaving a game Sunday as a precaution. He hasn’t played since.
Rather than rush him back, the Blue Jays are taking their time with Saunders, who is also recovering from surgery to remove a torn meniscus from his left knee. It’s possible he returns to the field for Dunedin on Thursday against visiting Bradenton, or Friday at Brevard County.
GM Alex Anthopoulos said last weekend the Blue Jays wanted to build Saunders up to play back-to-back nine-inning games before activating him, making sure he’d have enough legs under him to handle the grind.
Kevin Pillar has filled in more than admirably in left field during Saunders’ absence.
