Anthony Santander’s return to the Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup suffered a setback on Tuesday.
Jays manager John Schneider told the media that the veteran outfielder/designated hitter would not play in Tuesday’s rehab game with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons due to lower back discomfort.
Santander, who has not played for the Jays this season after undergoing left labral surgery in February, began a rehab assignment in Triple-A on Sept. 9. Over two games and seven plate appearances, Santander has recorded one hit and hasn’t played since Friday.
The 31-year-old’s time in Toronto has been difficult after he signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Blue Jays ahead of the 2025 season.
Santander appeared in just 54 games for the Jays last season, hitting .175 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. He missed most of the campaign with a shoulder injury suffered in May.
Santander was able to return in October, playing five playoff games before he was replaced by Joey Loperfido in the American League Championship Series due to back tightness.
The native of Margarita, Venezuela spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles, putting together an All-Star season in 2024 with .235 average, 44 home runs, 102 RBIs and a .814 OPS.
The Blue Jays (75-76) enters Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Tigers sitting one game behind the Cleveland Guardians for the final wild-card spot in the American League.
