Anthony Santander's postseason for the Toronto Blue Jays ended Thursday, with Major League Baseball approving a roster substitution for the ailing outfielder.
Santander has been battling a back injury that led to him being scratched from Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. He started in right field in Game 3, but was replaced after two at-bats in Toronto's eventual 13-4 road win that cut its series deficit to 2-1.
MLB's announcement came a little over an hour before Game 4 on Thursday night in Seattle.
The league said Dr. Gary Green, its medical director, confirmed Santander's injury "after a full review of the medical information." He was replaced by Joey Loperfido on Toronto's roster.
By rule, Santander can't return for the ALCS or the subsequent series if the Blue Jays advance, meaning he's ineligible to play in the World Series.
Santander signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with Toronto last offseason but missed almost four months because of a left shoulder injury. The 2024 All-Star hit .175 with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs in 54 games.
He was hitting .200 (3 for 15) with no homers, 2 RBIs and 5 strikeouts in five games this postseason.
"We would obviously love to have him in there, but it's part of the game, part of this point of the season," Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman said. "He has really battled back to even get back."
Loperfido, 26, hit .333 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 96 at-bats over 41 games for Toronto this year while playing both corner outfield positions. The left-handed hitter had not been active for the postseason.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
