Jays’ Bautista cleared to work out again

Like Jose Bautista, the Blue Jays need to swing for the fences if they want to compete in the big-spending AL. (Photo: Chris Young/CP)

TORONTO – Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista resumed workouts Tuesday, ending a period of inactivity forced upon him by the hip injury that prematurely ended his season.

Bautista was cleared for upper-body work, and a more complete update on his healing from a bone bruise on the neck of his left femur is expected early next month, when he’s to be re-examined.

The four-time all-star exited an Aug. 20 game against the Yankees when pain in his hip limited his mobility, and he was shut down for the season in early September. He posted news of his return to the gym on Twitter.

Bautista finished the season batting .259/.358/.498 with 28 homers and 73 RBIs in 118 games.

NOTE: Tim Raines, the Blue Jays’ roving outfield and base-running instructor, is among those under consideration for the club’s vacant first base coaching job.

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