When Santander could return to Toronto Blue Jays lineup after 3+ months away
The Toronto Blue Jays could get some serious power returning to their lineup later this month.
Anthony Santander, who has been out of the lineup since late May due to a shoulder injury, is closing in on a return. In fact, the 30-year-old slugger could begin a rehab stint with Triple-A Buffalo as soon as Tuesday, as per Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling.
Anthony Santander is nearing a rehab assignment that could begin Tuesday with triple-A Buffalo
Santander will travel with Blue Jays to New York this weekend to continue his build up and get more reps hitting right-handed
Santander will get at least five games on rehab
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) September 3, 2025
Given the lengthy absence, Santander will play in at least five rehab games before returning to the Blue Jays lineup.
The 2025 season has been a rough one for Santander, who was the Blue Jays’ big get last offseason after agreeing to a five-year, $92.5 million deal as a free agent. Prior to his injury, he was hitting just .179 with six home runs and 18 RBIs through 209 plate appearances.
Despite the struggles, adding Santander back in September should provide an excellent boost to the Blue Jays if he plays to the level he is capable of. The 2024 All Star had hit a combined 105 home runs with the Baltimore Orioles over the past three seasons before heading to Toronto.
Should Santander begin his rehab stint on Tuesday, he will join the Buffalo Bisons just in time for their six-game road series against the Rochester Red Wings, which will conclude on Sunday. That could mean we see him back with the Blue Jays for good as soon as Monday, Sept. 15, in what will be the start of a four-game series on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Despite not having Santander in the lineup for a long stretch, the Blue Jays have continued to excel and have a 4.5 lead over the New York Yankees for the top spot in the AL East with an 80-59 record. They will take on the Cincinnati Reds this evening before beginning a big three-game series against the Yankees on Friday.