Anthony Santander's return will have to wait a little longer.
The Toronto Blue Jays slugger's rehab stint was pushed back after he experienced back tightness while taking swings, manager John Schneider said on Tuesday.
"Hopefully nothing crazy," Schneider said. "He was just swinging a lot... back kind of locked up on him a little bit."
Santander, a switch-hitter, travelled with the Blue Jays to New York this past weekend to get more right-handed reps with the bat before games against the Yankees.
The plan had then been for him to join the triple-A Buffalo Bisons in nearby Rochester, N.Y. in a series beginning Tuesday. However, that will now have to wait, per Schneider.
Toronto was aiming for Santander to get at least five rehab games in before he returns to the major-league club.
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The outfielder has been out since May 29 due to a left shoulder subluxation he sustained crashing into a wall in a game against the Los Angeles Angels. He struggled during the first two months of the season, hitting for a .179 average and .577 OPS with six home runs.
The 30-year-old signed a five-year, $92.5-million contract with the Blue Jays in the off-season that includes a third-year opt-out, sixth-year team option and deferred money.
Santander hit a career-best 44 home runs with the Baltimore Orioles last season and could offer both power and versatility as a switch-hitter to the Blue Jays lineup.
Earlier Tuesday, the Blue Jays placed starting shortstop Bo Bichette on the 10-day IL with a left knee sprain and recalled outfielder Joey Loperfido.
Toronto opens a key three-game home series against the AL West-leading Houston Astros beginning Tuesday, with live coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+
