The Toronto Blue Jays are removing outfielder Anthony Santander from their postseason roster. Santander was the Blue Jays’ biggest offseason acquisition, and since he is not eligible for the World Series, his dismal first season with Toronto is over. Outfielder Joey Loperfido will replace Santander on the postseason roster.
Anthony Santander Out for Rest of Postseason with Back Injury
Today @MLB has approved a roster substitution due to an injury to @BlueJays outfielder Anthony Santander, who will be replaced by outfielder Joey Loperfido for the remainder of the ALCS vs. the @Mariners.
By rule, Santander will be ineligible for the World Series should the…
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) October 16, 2025
Santander signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Blue Jays in the 2024–2025 offseason and is about to complete an injury-ridden first season with Toronto. Playing only 54 regular-season games, Santander slashed .175/.305/.458 with a .565 OPS. The Blue Jays were hoping that a healthy Santander would be able to give the offense a power lift in the postseason, but injuries prevented that from happening. His absence has been especially felt in the middle of the lineup, where Toronto has struggled to produce consistent run support behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Daulton Varsho. The lack of Santander’s switch-hitting power bat has also forced manager John Schneider to alter his usual lineup construction, relying more heavily on left-handed hitters in key situations.
Santander was first sidelined on May 30th with left shoulder inflammation, and it took until September 23rd for him to return to the big league club. His extended absence limited his rhythm and timing at the plate, something that was noticeable in his brief return before the postseason. Toronto scratched him from the lineup ahead of Game Two of the American League Championship Series with a sore back, and while he returned to the lineup for Game Three, he did not play a full game, leaving for a defensive replacement in the fifth inning of Toronto’s 13–4 win over the Seattle Mariners.
Santander is out of the Game Four lineup as well, with the team choosing to prioritize his long-term health over a short-term postseason push. The Blue Jays’ training staff has reportedly been closely monitoring his condition, emphasizing rest and treatment rather than risking a more significant injury that could extend into next season.
Better Safe Than Sorry
“He was pretty stiff, sore after (the game),” Schneider said. “Checked in with him this morning… In talking to him and getting treatment, still felt it wasn’t the right thing to put him out there.” Schneider’s cautious approach reflects the organization’s awareness of Santander’s injury history and the need to prevent further setbacks.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
