Anthony Santander has spent nearly the entire 2026 season away from the Toronto Blue Jays as he works his way back from a significant shoulder injury.
The veteran outfielder has been on the injured list since March and has yet to play a game for Toronto this season. His prolonged absence has left the Blue Jays without a player who was brought in to help them contend for a World Series title.
Toronto is in the middle of an American League wild card race, making the final weeks of Santander’s recovery particularly important. And the club received some encouraging news on Friday.
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According to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling, Santander faced live pitching Friday, taking five at-bats against a mix of left-handed and right-handed pitchers.
He is scheduled to face live pitching again Monday, and if that session goes well, he could begin a Triple-A rehab assignment in the middle of next week.
The Blue Jays are also building Santander up as an outfielder. That will allow the club to evaluate not only his swing but also how his shoulder responds to the demands of playing defense before determining when he is ready for a return to Toronto.
Santander signed with the Blue Jays ahead of the 2025 season after establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier power hitters with the Baltimore Orioles. He hit 44 home runs with 102 RBIs in 2024, earning his first All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award.
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In the meantime, the Blue Jays (70-71) will open a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Friday as they continue to battle for a postseason spot.
