MLB Approves Roster Change for Blue Jays as Anthony Santander Sidelined by Back Injury
SEATTLE – Major League Baseball has approved a roster substitution for the Toronto blue Jays, removing outfielder Anthony santander due to a persistent back injury, the league announced Thursday, hours before Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. The move effectively ends Santander’s participation in the postseason.
Santander initially experienced discomfort that led to him being scratched from Game 2 of the ALCS. He started in right field for Game 3, but was removed after two at-bats during Toronto’s 13-4 victory, which narrowed Seattle’s series lead to 2-1. The injury has been confirmed by Dr. Gary Green, MLB’s medical director, following a review of medical details.
This roster change carries important implications for the Blue Jays’ playoff run. By rule, Santander is ineligible to return for the remainder of the ALCS, and would also be unable to play should Toronto advance to the World Series.
Santander, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Blue Jays last offseason, has had a challenging season marked by injury. He missed nearly four months due to a left shoulder injury and finished the regular season hitting .175 with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs in 54 games. He posted a .200 average (3-for-15) with 2 RBIs in five postseason games.
Replacing Santander on the roster is outfielder Joey Loperfido, who hit .333 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 41 games for Toronto during the regular season. The 26-year-old has not seen action in the postseason.
“We would obviously love to have him in there, but it’s part of the game, part of this point of the season,” Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman said. “He has really battled back to even get back.”
