Blue Jays Seek MLB Approval to Remove Anthony Santander from Playoff Roster: Sources Reveal
The Toronto Blue Jays are poised to make a significant change to their postseason roster. According to sources, the team is seeking Major League Baseball (MLB) approval to remove outfielder Anthony Santander from their playoff roster. This decision comes as Santander has struggled with injury issues and will mark the end of his postseason participation.
Background on Anthony Santander
Anthony Santander, 30, is Toronto’s major offseason acquisition in a five-year, $92.5 million contract. Unfortunately, his performance has been impacted by various injuries. In the 2023 regular season, he participated in only 54 games due to shoulder issues. In the games he played, he hit just .175 with six home runs and recorded a -1.0 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference.
Current Situation
As the postseason proceeds, Santander is also facing back problems that have limited his participation. If he is removed from the roster, he will be ineligible for the World Series if the Blue Jays advance. His playoff performance consisted of three hits and two runs across five games, leading to a .200 batting average and a .450 on-base plus slugging (OPS).
- Regular-season participation: 54 games
- Batting average: .175
- Home runs: 6
- Postseason games played: 5
- Postseason batting average: .200
Impact on the Team
Before this roster change, Santander was a last-minute scratch from the Game 2 lineup in the American League Championship Series due to back pain. While he played in Game 3, he was substituted for a defensive replacement mid-game. His ongoing soreness prompted manager John Schneider to keep him out of the lineup again in Game 4.
With potential roster additions in play, outfielder Joey Loperfido seems to be a strong candidate to take Santander’s place. However, shortstop Bo Bichette, currently recovering from a knee sprain, will not be stepping in for Santander. Isiah Kiner-Falefa joined the lineup in Santander’s absence, and Addison Barger took over right field duties. Despite the absence of their big free-agent signing, the Blue Jays finished the regular season fourth in runs scored and will continue to fight without him in October.
