Anthony Santander Finishes His Postseason with the Blue Jays
Anthony Santander’s participation in the postseason with the Toronto Blue Jays has come to an end. Major League Baseball approved a roster substitution due to the outfielder’s injury. Santander has been dealing with a back injury, which prevented him from playing in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. Although he participated in Game 3 as a right fielder, 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. According to the league, Dr. Gary Green, its medical director, confirmed Santander’s injury “after a complete review of the medical information.” Joey Loperfido will take his place on the Toronto roster. By regulation, Santander will not be able to return for the American League Championship Series or the subsequent series if the Blue Jays advance, which means he will not be able to play in the World Series. 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, the 2024 All-Star hit .175 with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs. In this postseason, he batted .200 (3 for 15) with no home runs, 2 RBIs, and 5 strikeouts in five games.Loperfido, 26, batted .333 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 96 at-bats in 41 games for Toronto this year, playing in both outfield positions.Obviously, we would love to have him there, but it’s part of the game, part of this point in the season. He has fought hard to even come back.
Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays pitcher
