Anthony Santander Finishes His Postseason with the Blue Jays
Anthony Santander’s postseason with the Toronto Blue Jays came to an end on Thursday, after Major League Baseball approved a roster substitution due to an injury to the outfielder. Santander has been dealing with a back injury that forced him to be removed from Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. Although he started in right field in Game 3, he was replaced after two at-bats in Toronto’s 13-4 road win, which cut the series deficit to 2-1. The MLB announcement came just over an hour before Game 4 on Thursday night in Seattle. The league reported that Dr. Gary Green, its medical director, confirmed Santander’s injury “after an exhaustive review of medical information.” Joey Loperfido took his place on the Toronto roster. According to the rules, 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 is ineligible 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, his batting average was .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 during 41 games for Toronto this year, playing both outfield positions. The left-handed hitter had not been active for the postseason.Obviously, we would love to have him there, but it’s part of the game, part of this moment of the season. He has fought hard to come back.
Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays pitcher
