Blue Jays’ $92 Million Slugger Suffers Another Injury Setback In Bid For Season Debut

Toronto Blue Jays anticipate Anthony Santander to become a crucial middle-of-the-order player when they signed him to a five-year, $92.5 million contract before the 2025 season. However, his tenure with the Blue Jays has been marred by injuries and lengthy absences from the lineup. Santander has appeared in only 54 games since he signed, missing most of last season and getting sidelined for the entire 2026 campaign.

As the Blue Jays near the end of another postseason chase, they had begun to see a path to get their pricey slugger back in action. Yet, that comeback has faced yet another setback. On October 12, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reported that Santander suffered lower back soreness and would not be included in the Triple-A lineup for his first rehabilitation assignment.

The setback follows Santander's start of a Minor League rehab stint with the intention of making his season debut for Toronto before the season ends in less than three weeks. The Blue Jays had some grounds for optimism after Santander returned to action this month. According to MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa, "Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander began a Minor League rehab assignment on Wednesday as he works his way back from surgery in February to repair a torn left shoulder labrum."

Santander played for Triple-A Buffalo against Charlotte as he worked towards making his season debut for Toronto. The Blue Jays had a limited window to determine if the 31-year-old could regain timing, health, and defensive readiness to contribute before the regular season ends. However, the early outcomes had been inconsistent.

Santander went 0-for-4 in his first rehab appearance before hitting his first ball in his second outing, a 106 mph single, while also playing six innings in left field. Nevertheless, the lower back soreness introduces another uncertainty for a player whose career has been repeatedly interrupted by physical problems. The setback is especially disheartening given the Blue Jays' wait for Santander to become the power weapon they invested in.

With little time remaining in the regular season and a tight American League playoff race, there is still a chance Santander can return. However, yet another injury-related delay has made an already narrow window even tighter.