The Toronto Blue Jays received encouraging news ahead of Friday's series opener against the Boston Red Sox as outfielder Jesús Sánchez officially began his injury rehab assignment.
Sánchez served as the designated hitter in the Florida Complex League on Thursday and is scheduled to continue his rehab with Single-A Dunedin on Friday, putting him another step closer to returning to Toronto's lineup.
The update comes at an important time for the Blue Jays, who are looking to regain momentum after being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays and enter the weekend sitting last in the American League East.
Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling reported that Sánchez opened his rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League before progressing to Single-A Dunedin. The Blue Jays are expected to continue increasing his workload over the coming days before determining when he is ready to rejoin the major league club.
The 28-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a right ankle sprain on June 26 after crashing into the left-field wall while making a defensive play against the Texas Rangers. Tests revealed no fractures, and Toronto placed him on the 10-day injured list the following day.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sánchez was batting .274 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs in 73 games before the injury, providing steady production in Toronto's outfield. His return would give manager John Schneider another experienced bat as the Blue Jays attempt to climb back into the postseason race.
Toronto opens a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox this weekend before Sánchez is expected to continue his rehab assignment. While the club has not announced a target activation date, Thursday's update represents a significant step toward his return to the major league roster.
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