Blue Jays get an unfortunate update on Anthony Santander

The slugger, who has been on the IL since the end of May with a shoulder issue, was initially supposed to begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

However, he is now dealing with some lower back tightness.

According to SportsNet's Shi Davidi, the Blue Jays hope that Santander will be ready to join the Bisons in a day or two.

Both Keegan Matheson and Ben Nicholson-Smith indicated that Santander's back issues arose after taking a lot of practice swings.

While there is still time for Santander to return for the final week of the season, any further delays could put a pin on him playing again in 2025. However, Jays reporter Mitch Bannon is optimistic that Santander will begin his rehab assignment by the end of the week.

Manager John Schneider also remained hopeful.

It's been a frustrating year for Santander, who signed a five year, $92.5MM contract in the offseason.

A notorious slow starter, Santander's injury struggles have caused him to just six home runs a year after mashing 44 with the Baltimore Orioles. In 70 games this season, the 30 year old is slashing a meagre .179/.273/.304/ with an OPS+ of just 58.

If Santander can get past his latest setback and get through his rehab, he could be a valuable asset for a Blue Jays club trying to win their first division title in a decade.

But time is running out.