Bautista could return from toe injury Monday

The Toronto Blue Jays could welcome Jose Bautista back into their lineup as early as Monday, as the six-time All-Star continues to make progress from a toe injury and will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Bautista's been sidelined since June 16 after jamming his big left toe into the outfield wall in Philadelphia. He was initially diagnosed with a hyperextended toe in his left foot and further tests revealed symptoms of turf toe, which held him out through the All-Star break.

Prior to the club's game Tuesday in Arizona, manager John Gibbons told reporters that Bautista's rehab assignment will begin in Dunedin on Wednesday, followed by three games in Buffalo over the weekend, according to MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm. If all goes well, he's expected to return to the lineup for Monday's opener against the Padres in Toronto.

The Blue Jays have played well during Bautista's 25-game absence, compiling a mark of 14-11 to remain atop the second wild-card spot and 2 1/5 games back of the division-leading Orioles. Bautista will return to an .815 OPS and 12 homers through 65 games.