TORONTO - Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista returned to the lineup as the designated hitter for Tuesday night's game against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Bautista, who has been limited to DH duty since injuring his throwing shoulder in a game April 21, missed the last two games after getting a cortisone shot.

He's batting .215 with seven homers and 25 RBIs this season. Bautista is aiming to return to his usual position in right field for the opener of an interleague series at Washington on Monday.

Bautista is able to swing the bat but he's still unable to throw with his usual power due to inflammation and an impingement in his right shoulder joint. He tried light throwing programs last week but said that progress had been slower than expected.

Bautista played catch again Tuesday at Rogers Centre and said he felt encouraged after making about 25-30 throws at a distance of about 90 feet. His plan is to try to throw a little more and a little farther each day as he builds up his strength.

Toronto took a 21-26 record into its game against the White Sox. The Blue Jays entered play in last place in the American League East division, but were only 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays.

The Blue Jays also announced that catcher Dioner Navarro (hamstring strain) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.