Blue Jays' Jose Bautista: Expected to take over leadoff spot upon return

Bautista (toe) is expected to take over the leadoff spot when he returns from the DL, Mike Wilner of BlueJaysTalk reports.

Analysis:

Bautista has been sidelined since June 16 with a turf toe-like injury but began a rehab assignment Wednesday and is expected to return to the Blue Jays on Monday. When he does return, he'll be in prime position to score plenty of runs, batting in front of sluggers Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion in the leadoff position. Bautista batted only .230 during the first half but got on base at a .360 clip.