Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Santander is making progress and will hit off live pitching down in Florida over the weekend. Schneider then said that if all goes well, he’s optimistic Santander could play in triple-A rehab games next week. Santander, 31, has not played in 2026 after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in February. He also missed most of the 2025 season with an injury to the same shoulder, meaning he has appeared in just 54 games since signing a five-year, $92.5-million contract with the Blue Jays nearly two years ago. Before joining the Blue Jays, Santander developed into a feared slugger for the Orioles over eight seasons. In 2024, he hit a career-high 44 home runs and won a Silver Slugger award. As for another ailing Blue Jay, Schneider remains confident that Trey Yesavage has a chance to return this season. Yesavage will throw a bullpen on Friday before the team determines next steps. “If it goes good, we’ll see if he can help us out in some capacity,” Schneider said Thursday. However, if he does return this season, it will most likely be in a bulk role instead of going back to being a traditional starter. “That would make it interesting for a bullpen-y bulk day, with him being part of it,” Schneider said. “That would be nice. It just depends on how much time he’s missed, how much he can build up. Is it an inning or two? Is it three or four? We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” The 23-year-old Yesavage left Toronto’s 7-2 road loss to the Houston Astros on Aug. 4 after throwing 16 strikes over two innings. His left knee appeared to buckle as he warmed up for the third inning, and he was checked by a trainer before exiting the game. Yesavage (5-5) has a 3.65 earned-run average over 18 starts this season with 91 strikeouts over 93.2 innings pitched.”
Anthony Santander Injury Recovery and Upcoming Rehab Timeline
According to comments made by John Schneider on Thursday, Santander is scheduled to hit off live pitching in Florida over the weekend. If those sessions go well, the organization is optimistic that the 31-year-old slugger could step onto the field for triple-A rehab games next week.
Santander missed the majority of the 2025 season with an injury to the same left shoulder. That extended absence means he has played in just 54 games since inking a five-year, $92.5-million contract with Toronto nearly two years ago.
Did you know? Before joining the Blue Jays, Anthony Santander established himself as a feared slugger over eight seasons with the Orioles, culminating in a career-high 44 home runs and a Silver Slugger award in 2024.
Trey Yesavage Potential Return in a Bulk Relief Role
While Santander nears game action, pitching prospect Trey Yesavage is also working his way back from injury. Schneider expressed confidence that the 23-year-old right-hander has a chance to return to the active roster before the end of the season, pending the results of a bullpen session scheduled for Friday.
If Yesavage successfully navigates his upcoming bullpen test, Schneider noted that the team will evaluate how he can contribute in a limited capacity. Due to the duration of his absence and the necessary buildup time, any late-season return would likely come in a bulk relief role rather than a traditional starting assignment.
“That would make it interesting for a bullpen-y bulk day, with him being part of it,” Schneider said Thursday. “That would be nice. It just depends on how much time he’s missed, how much he can build up. Is it an inning or two? Is it three or four? We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
Yesavage exited Toronto’s 7-2 loss to the Houston Astros on August 4 after throwing 16 strikes across two innings. His left knee appeared to buckle during warmups for the third frame, prompting a check from team trainers before his departure. He currently holds a 5-5 record with a 3.65 earned-run average across 18 starts, totaling 91 strikeouts in 93.2 innings pitched.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Anthony Santander undergo shoulder surgery?
Santander underwent surgery on his left shoulder in February of the 2026 season, which has sidelined him for the entire year to date.
What was Trey Yesavage’s injury?
Yesavage left an August 4 start against the Houston Astros after his left knee appeared to buckle while warming up for the third inning.
How is Trey Yesavage expected to be used if he returns?
Manager John Schneider stated that if Yesavage returns this season, it will likely be in a bulk relief role instead of returning immediately to a traditional starting pitcher workload.
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