Blue Jays' Jose Bautista: Expected to return Thursday

Bautista (knee) will likely be activated from the DL on Thursday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports.

Analysis:

Toronto had thought that Bautista may need a rehab assignment, but his performance in recent workouts has the team confident that he'll be able to return as soon as he's eligible. Upon his activation, the Blue Jays plan to protect his knee and use him as their designated hitter, rather than have him immediately return to right field.