Though the triple-A season has come to an end, the Toronto Blue Jays are approaching Anthony Santander's return to the majors with patience.
The Blue Jays' switch-hitter is in Toronto with the team and was activated from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday, but was not included in the team's starting lineup for their matchup against the Boston Red Sox, the team announced ahead of the series opener.
Santander has spent the last two weeks rehabbing a shoulder injury with triple-A Buffalo.
He concluded a nine-game stint with the Bisons on Sunday, one in which he went 7-for-32 with two doubles and two homers. He was 0-for-2 with two walks in his final minor-league game.
The 30-year-old took reps in left field during two games last week, but has made most of his appearances as the DH. He was given a day off on Friday after suiting up for seven contests in eight days.
"Every day right now is kind of important," Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters on Tuesday when asked about Santander's status. "In terms of his recovery, his build-up ... not just physically, I think he's checked every box in terms of his physical status right now with the rehab games, but just wanting to get his thoughts on where he was, his timing, his rhythm at the plate, overall game.
"Just making sure he's physically and mentally ready to go be himself, he definitely wants to be back. He's worked hard, albeit over a long period of time, to get back to helping us win."
Toronto's major off-season addition has been out of the MLB lineup with a shoulder injury since May 29.
Before hitting the injured list, he was slashing .179/.273/.304 with six homers in 50 games for the Blue Jays. He mainly served as Toronto's designated hitter, but also spent time defensively in left and right field and at first base.
The Blue Jays (90-66) have a two-game lead on the New York Yankees in the AL East and have a magic number of four to clinch the divisional crown. They earned a playoff berth on Sunday after defeating the Kansas City Royals.
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