Bautista says shoulder pain free

TORONTO (AP) Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista is back in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the White Sox and says his sore right shoulder is pain free after a cortisone shot.

Bautista, who had the injection Sunday, said he was ''encouraged'' after making approximately 25 throws at around 90 feet before taking batting practice, the most he's thrown in more than a month.

Bautista hasn't been able to play the outfield since April 21, when he strained his shoulder making a throw to first base. He missed five games following the injury before returning as designated hitter on April 27.

Batting .215 with seven homers and 25 RBIs, Bautista said he' hopes to play the field next Monday when the Blue Jays start a series at Washington next Monday.