Toronto Blue Jays give good-news injury update on forgotten slugger

The Toronto Blue Jays could be adding some power to their lineup late this season.

John Schneider told reporters on Thursday morning that outfielder Anthony Santander could resume hitting as soon as next week. The 31-year-old has yet to play this season after undergoing surgery to repair a labral tear in his left shoulder.

This isn't going to be a quick process, but Schneider believes the power hitter could be back in August. That's a positive sign given that many believed he would be sidelined for the entire season.

"He could definitely be a factor," Schneider said.

The Blue Jays landed Santander ahead of the 2025 season, signing him to a five-year, $92.5 million deal. He joined the Jays fresh off a career-best season with the Baltimore Orioles that saw him record 44 home runs and 102 RBI.

Unfortunately, the deal hasn't panned out the way either side had hoped.

Santander logged just 54 games with the Blue Jays in 2025, where he slashed just .175 in 194 at bats. 

The good news is that once Santander returns, he should be back to full health for the first time since signing his monstrous contract. 

The Blue Jays could certainly use Santander at his best. They've hit just 73 home runs on the season, which ranks 22nd among all MLB teams. They've also scored just 304 runs, which also ranks 22nd.

Though the 2026 season has been a frustrating one for the Jays, they have stayed alive in the playoff hunt. Their 36-38 record has them in the third and final AL wild-card position.

If they can continue to remain in the hunt, adding Santander's bat late in the season could be the push they need to start stringing wins together on a more consistent basis.