Anthony Santander Finishes His Postseason with the Blue Jays
Anthony Santander’s postseason with the Toronto Blue Jays has come to an end. Major League Baseball (MLB) approved a roster substitution due to an injury affecting the outfielder. Santander has been dealing with a back injury, which forced him to be removed from Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. Although he participated in Game 3, he was replaced after two at-bats in Toronto’s 13-4 victory, which reduced the series deficit to 2-1. The MLB announcement came just over an hour before Game 4 on Thursday night in Seattle. Dr. Gary Green, the league’s medical director, confirmed Santander’s injury after a thorough review of medical information. Joey Loperfido will take his place on the Toronto roster. According to the rules, Santander will not be able to return for the rest of the Championship Series or for the World Series, in case the Blue Jays advance. Santander signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with Toronto last offseason, but missed nearly four months due to a left shoulder injury. In 54 games this season, the infielder batted .175 with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs. In the five games of this postseason, his batting average was .200 (3 for 15), with no home runs, 2 RBIs, and 5 strikeouts.Loperfido, 26, batted .333 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 96 at-bats during 41 games for Toronto this year, playing in both outfield positions. The left-handed hitter had not been active in the postseason.Obviously, we’d love to have him, but it’s part of the game, part of this stage of the season.
Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays pitcher
