Forgotten Toronto Blue Jays slugger still hoping to return this season

The Toronto Blue Jays' injury list has been so long this season that the lengthy absence of slugger Anthony Santander has slipped below the radar of many.

It's impossible to blame those who have nearly forgotten about the 31-year-old outfielder, as his time with the Blue Jays has seen him on the sidelines far more than on the field. 

Santander is in just the second year of a five-year, $92.5 million deal. Since signing that contract, he's suited up for just 54 games with the Jays, all of which came in 2025. He's been out for all of 2026 after undergoing surgery to repair a labral tear in his left shoulder.

Roughly two months ago, Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters that Santander had been making progress in his recovery and believed he may be able to return in August. Things then went quiet again, before another update from Schneider on Friday.

Schneider revealed to reporters that Santander is still hoping to return before the 2026 season concludes. The 2024 All-Star has been hitting off of a machine in Dunedin and is hoping to begin facing live pitchers next week.

Anthony Santander is still trying to return this season.

John Schneider says he’s been hitting off a machine in Dunedin and hopes to face live pitchers next week.

We’ll see. #BlueJays

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 28, 2026

It may wind up being too little too late for Santander, as the Blue Jays have just 27 regular season games remaining. While they are still fighting for a playoff spot, some recent struggles have them sitting 3.5 games back of a wild-card position.

Whether Santander can return this season remains to be seen, though it's encouraging to hear he's making progress. At the very least, he should be healthy and ready to rock for the start of 2027, when he will look to make amends on a contract that has proven a complete dud thus far.