Toronto Blue Jays slugger Anthony Santander is expected to return to the starting lineup on Saturday, manager John Schneider announced after dropping their series opener to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.
Santander emerged from the dugout to pinch hit in the top of the ninth inning during the 3-1 loss and drew a four-pitch walk, only to be pinch-run for when he reached first base.
It was his first plate appearance since he was pulled from Wednesday’s 14-0 win over the San Diego Padres with left hip inflammation.
“I think he should be good to go tomorrow. He was feeling better as the day went on,” Schneider said post-game.
The 2024 Silver Slugger winner is struggling in 2025 with a .594 OPS that ranks 155th out of 164 qualified hitters.
Schneider has recently said that moving Santander down the Blue Jays’ batting order from the third spot is to “take a little pressure off him,” while also taking advantage of the power that Daulton Varsho is providing of late.
Santander has been dealing with hip and shoulder injuries over the course of the season, he missed time in Toronto’s series against the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers earlier this month.
Santander inked a five-year, $92-million contract with the Blue Jays this past off-season.