Santos returns as Jays place McGowan on DL

The Blue Jays activated Sergio Santos from the disabled list Thursday. (CP/Nathan Denette)

After spending most of the season on the disabled list, Sergio Santos is back on the Toronto Blue Jays’ roster.

The Blue Jays activated the right-handed reliever from the 60-day disabled list Thursday, moving Dustin McGowan to the 15-day disabled list in a related move.

McGowan returns to the disabled list with a right oblique strain in a move that opens up room for Santos on the active roster. The Blue Jays created 40-man roster space for Santos by moving starter Brandon Morrow to the 60-day disabled list.

Santos appeared in five games for the Blue Jays in April, posting a 2.08 ERA with six strikeouts and one walk in 4.1 innings.

The 30-year-old was placed on the disabled list with a right triceps strain on April 14, and he later underwent surgery on his right elbow to remove bone spurs.

He made 12 rehab appearances, pitching for the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays, the Dunedin Blue Jays and the Buffalo Bisons.

Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported Wednesday that McGowan tweaked his side on Monday.

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