Overview
- Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed Santander will begin a rehab assignment with Triple‑A Buffalo on Wednesday, marking his first game action since the 2025 ALCS.
- The plan is for Santander to DH in his first game with Buffalo and then take outfield reps as the club evaluates him for activation.
- Santander had left‑shoulder surgery in February that was expected to need 5–6 months of recovery but has stretched past seven months and included a short pause for a cortisone injection.
- Any activation would require opening a major‑league roster spot and commentators have widely suggested Jesús Sánchez as the likeliest player to be optioned.
- Santander is under a five‑year, $92.5 million deal and the Blue Jays still owe about $57.1 million, so his health and short‑term production carry financial weight and potential impact on Toronto’s playoff push.