Bautista & Lawrie expected to return soon

Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista continued his road to recovery on Thursday as he took live batting practice from manager John Farrell, according to MLB.com.  Bautista plans to participate in pregame workouts with the team this weekend in the hopes of returning to the lineup by the end of the month.  The 2-time AL home run champion sustained a left wrist injury in a July 16th loss to the Yankees while swinging a foul ball in the 8th inning.

Meanwhile, third baseman Brett Lawrie is expected to begin a rehab assignment in single-A Dunedin this weekend. If all goes according to plan, he is expected to make his big-league return next Tuesday against the Tigers. Lawrie was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to August 4th with an oblique injury.