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Bautista returns to Blue Jays' lineup after knee sprain

Dan Hamilton / Reuters

The Toronto Blue Jays activated outfielder Jose Bautista from the 15-day disabled list Thursday, optioning infielder Ryan Goins to Triple-A Buffalo in the process.

Bautista will hit leadoff as the team's designated hitter against Jered Weaver and the Los Angeles Angels at the Rogers Centre in his return Thursday.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told reporters, including Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith, that Bautista will spend "plenty of time" at DH to preserve his health.

The 35-year-old Bautista missed exactly 15 days with a left knee sprain after awkwardly tripping in the outfield during a contest Aug. 9. He also missed five weeks of action between June and July thanks to turf toe.

Over the course of the season, Bautista owns a .222/.349/.444 slash line with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs.

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