TORONTO – Jose Bautista is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup.
The team has activated the slugging right-fielder off of the disabled list hours before the series opener against the San Diego Padres.
Bautista was slated to bat leadoff and play in right field.
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To make room for Bautista, the Blue Jays designated Junior Lake for assignment.
Bautista had not played since June 16, when he hurt his right big toe trying to field a fly ball in Philadelphia. He was diagnosed with turf toe, and had spent the last week on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues of the Toronto organization.
In his absence, Bautista’s spot in the field was largely filled by Ezequiel Carrera and Lake.