The Toronto Blue Jays (71-51) have managed to stay competitive this season despite dealing with injuries and roster setbacks. Although the team has navigated stretches without some of their biggest names, they are tied for the best record in the American League entering Friday’s series opener against the Texas Rangers.
One of the Blue Jays’ key absences has been veteran outfielder Anthony Santander, who joined Toronto this winter on a five-year, $92.5 million contract. Santander struggled through his first 50 games—batting .179 with six home runs and a .577 OPS—before a left shoulder injury landed him on the 60-day injured list on July 4. However, ahead of Friday’s game, the Blue Jays received a significant update on his recovery.
Per MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, the Blue Jays announced Santander has begun his “hitting progression,” an encouraging sign in his return from a left shoulder injury. This stage includes swinging a bat in controlled drills such as hitting off a tee.
While there is no set timeline, the Blue Jays are leaving the door open for a possible return in the coming weeks, with his progress over this stretch determining if he plays again this season.
News: Anthony Santander has started his “hitting progression”, which means that he’s finally started the early stages of swinging a bat, hitting off a tee, etc. #BlueJays are keeping the door open to him returning and the next couple of weeks should tell us if that’s possible.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 15, 2025
Toronto has managed well without Santander in the lineup. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk have stepped up offensively, helping the Blue Jays maintain their position atop the division. Given Santander’s slow start before the injury and the team’s current momentum, there’s no urgency to rush him back into action.
Santander arrived in Toronto with a proven track record as a power hitter, including a standout 44-home run season with the Baltimore Orioles. If he can return to that level, his bat could provide a major boost to Toronto’s postseason push. His presence would also give the lineup more balance and depth for the final stretch.
While Santander’s return is not yet certain, news of his progress is a welcome development for both the team and its fans. A healthy Santander could bring much-needed power from the left side of the plate, improving the Blue Jays’ versatility in late-season matchups.
His return would also give manager John Schneider more options as the team navigates the playoff race. With the postseason approaching, even the possibility of Santander rejoining the roster adds optimism in Toronto.
For now, all eyes will be on the Blue Jays as they hope to win another series this weekend when they welcome the Rangers.
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