Bird slugger Anthony Santander is on the injured list, while pitcher Alan Rodney is back in the lineup
Toronto Blue Jays' Anthony Santander Sidelined with Left Shoulder Inflammation
After a challenging inaugural season with Toronto, outfielder Anthony Santander found himself on the 10-day injured list on Friday due to inflammation in his left shoulder. The injury, which initially occurred on May 8 when he crashed into the outfield wall during a game against the Los Angeles Angels, has persisted despite his attempts to play through it.
Santander's debut with the Blue Jays has been a troubled one, marked by both physical and offensive struggles. A season after hitting an impressive 44 home runs for the Baltimore Orioles, he signed a five-year contract worth $92.5 million with the Jays. This year, however, Santander's performance has been disappointing, seeing him hit just .179 with a low .577 on-base plus slugging percentage.
Manager John Schneider has commended Santander's determination in trying to play through his injury but has also acknowledged that the issue has impacted his play, mentioning that he still experiences discomfort during some swings. Schneider expressed hope that the time spent recovering can enable Santander to fully address the injury and get back to form.
As the Blue Jays find themselves in the midst of a competitive American League East race, the team is in need of Santander's power contribution, which has yet to fully materialize this season. Rookie outfielder Alan Roden was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo in Santander's absence, demonstrating strong performances in the minors with a .361 batting average and three home runs.
With Santander's recovery timeline unclear, the Blue Jays will be closely monitoring his progress as they continue to navigate the racing season and look to secure a playoff spot.
The media in Toronto will closely follow the recovery of Anthony Santander, as his prolonged absence due to a left shoulder injury could impact the Blue Jays' offense, particularly in the power department. The MLB season remains competitive, with the Blue Jays aiming to secure a playoff spot, and Santander's timely return could significantly influence their chances. Meanwhile, rookie outfielder Alan Roden, who demonstrated strong performances in the minors, has been recalled to fill the void left by Santander.
