Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander shares injury update with media, timeline for return
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Outfielder Anthony Santander revealed Wednesday that the torn labrum in his left shoulder resurfaced while he was taking swings during his offseason training.
Toronto Blue Jays slugger Anthony Santander is expected to be sidelined for five to six months following surgery to repair the damage.
Santander explained that an MRI conducted midway through the 2025 season did not detect a labral tear.
However, once he resumed hitting this winter and began feeling discomfort, further testing told a different story.
A new MRI showed the injury had worsened, ultimately leading doctors to recommend surgery.
“Unfortunately, things happen that are not in your control. I know some people think differently, but I know who I am. I know I’m trying my best to be on the field with my teammates‚" Santander said through an interpreter, via MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson.
Anthony Santander (via interpreter) on his shoulder surgery and rehab:
“Unfortunately, things happen that are not in your control. I know some people think differently, but I know who I am. I know I’m trying my best to be on the field with my teammates.” #BlueJays
“Unfortunately, things happen that are not in your control. I know some people think differently, but I know who I am. I know I’m trying my best to be on the field with my teammates.” #BlueJays
Despite the setback, the 31-year-old remains hopeful he can return later this season and contribute down the stretch.
“We’ll see where we’re at when we get there. If it doesn’t work, obviously the other option is to wait until next year, but I hope it doesn’t go that way,” he said.
According to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon, Santander acknowledged that last year’s imaging did not fully capture the severity of the issue.
He added that his shoulder felt about 90 percent during the postseason, but once he ramped up his workouts in January, it became clear surgery was unavoidable.
This morning, Anthony Santander said that MRIs last year did not show the full extent of his shoulder injury. His shoulder felt 90% in the playoffs, but when he ramped back up in Jan, it became clear he needed surgery.
The #BlueJays OFer on the frustration of the situation:
The #BlueJays OFer on the frustration of the situation:
Santander is in the second season of the five-year, $92.5 million contract he signed with Toronto last offseason.
Injuries limited him to just 54 games in 2025, as he missed much of the year due to persistent shoulder problems. Over 194 at-bats, he hit .175 with 34 hits, six home runs, 18 RBIs and a .565 OPS.
He collected three hits in five playoff appearances but did not play during the World Series.
Before joining Toronto, Santander was coming off a career year with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, when he blasted 44 home runs and drove in 102 runs.
A native of Margarita, Santander is a nine-year major-league veteran who owns a career slash line of .241/.305/.458.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 18|181 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander shares injury update with media, timeline for return Do you think Anthony Santander will be an impact bat down the stretch when he finally returns from injury? | ||
| Yes | 40 | 22.1 % |
| No | 107 | 59.1 % |
| Too early to tell | 34 | 18.8 % |
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