Anthony Santander is one step closer to his major league return.
The Toronto Blue Jays' outfielder will begin a rehab assignment with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Wednesday, manager John Schneider shared before Monday's game in Sacramento.
Schneider said the plan is for Santander to serve as the designated hitter in his first game before he plays in the outfield. He is expected to need several games to regain his timing before the Blue Jays activate him.
Santander, 31, has not played in 2026 after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in February. He also missed most of the 2025 season with an injury to the same shoulder.
Before becoming a Blue Jay, Santander was a dependable slugger for eight seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He had his best season at the plate in 2024 when he won a Silver Slugger Award and hit a career-high 44 home runs.
The Blue Jays have been lacking power all season and enter Monday tied for the second-fewest home runs in the majors.
Meanwhile, Schneider also provided injury updates for three Blue Jays pitchers.
Trey Yesavage, who underwent surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee last month, threw a 34-pitch bullpen in Dunedin, Fla., on Monday. The next step for him is two innings against live hitters on Thursday.
Shane Bieber, out with inflammation in the teres major, the muscle that connects the shoulder blade to the upper arm, extended his flat ground catch play to 75 feet on Monday in Sacramento.
Lastly, an MRI of Jameson Taillon's elbow is currently being evaluated by Dr. James Meister, and the Blue Jays are waiting to hear his feedback before formulating a plan going forward.
Taillon was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation on Saturday after exiting his first game back from the injured list on Friday. Schneider has said he anticipates Taillon will be out for the remainder of 2026.
