Blue Jays' Bautista isn't likely to return to outfield until next week

The Toronto Blue Jays aren't expecting to have Jose Bautista's glove for at least another week. 

Bautista has been relegated to designated-hitting duties since suffering a right shoulder strain while attempting a throw to first base during a game on April 21. 

"To be honest with you, it's lingering a little bit longer than I thought it was going to," manager John Gibbons told Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. "It's not like it's going to need surgery but we've got to be smart with it. Eventually he's got to get back out there."

The five-time All-Star hasn't thrown a ball since, though general manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters Monday that he expects Bautista to start throwing later in the week before being re-evaluated. He nonetheless conceded that Bautista is unlikely to return to the outfield until the following week. 

Bautista is starting to come around after a slow start to the season. In 21 games, the 34-year-old is hitting .203/.341/.486 with five home runs and 23 strikeouts, but is hitting .296/.375/.593 with five doubles and one home run over his last seven games.