Bo Bichette is set to take a step forward as he works towards a potential post-season return with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The shortstop joined the team in Kansas City for its three-game series against the Royals and began hitting again off a tee on Friday, manager John Schneider said during an appearance on Sportsnet's Blair & Barker.
"He's feeling better, and I think (it's) a step in the right direction, obviously, getting a bat back in his hands," Schneider said.
Bichette, of course, was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season earlier this week due to a PCL sprain in his left knee. The 27-year-old was in the midst of a resurgent season at the plate, slashing .311/.357/.483 through 139 games while leading MLB in hits and doubles.
He will stay with the Blue Jays through the weekend and travel with the team back to Toronto on Sunday night.
Schneider also provided an update on rehabbing outfielder Anthony Santander, who is getting a day off with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Friday.
"Just kind of a general off day. We didn't really plan for any of those in his calendar, but I think (he's) feeling some game volume (from) being in the outfield and stuff like that," the Blue Jays manager said. "He's doing more than all right. He's feeling good — hit a home run right-handed last night — and he'll get a day, then get back in the outfield tomorrow."
After Thursday night's game with the Bisons, Santander has now played seven games on his rehab assignment, picking up five hits, two homers and four walks in 29 plate appearances.
As Schneider mentioned, the 30-year-old slugged a 111.5 m.p.h. shot on Thursday from the right side of the plate.
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, Santander was slashing .179/.273/.304 with six homers in 50 games for the Blue Jays. He had mostly served as Toronto's designated hitter, but also spent time defensively in left and right field and at first base.
Buffalo has three games remaining on its regular-season schedule, as it wraps up its six-game set against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
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