Blue Jays' Bautista hoping to return to outfield next Monday

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista is optimistic that he'll be back in the outfield in one week.

The five-time All-Star, who received a cortisone shot in his ailing right shoulder on Sunday, hasn't played the field since suffering the injury while making a throw on April 21.

Bautista told reporters Monday that he decided on the shot because the medication he was taking did not provide enough relief.

"The progression wasn't going the way I expected or as quick as I expected and I was looking for some relief, not only on the field for my work life, but also for my regular life," Bautista said.

"Throbbing pain at night is not necessarily enjoyable and I was having to take pain medication just to go to sleep, that was messing up my stomach. It was just time. I’ve been on the pain medicine for too long anyway, so it was time to cut that off and try alternatives. This was the least invasive of the other alternatives."

While the 34-year-old has made slow progress trying to throw the ball since the injury, he said he's hoping to return by next Monday when the team opens up a three-game series with the Washington Nationals.

As National League rules prevent the use of a designated hitter, Bautista would be limited to pinch-hitting duties should he not be healthy enough to play defensively.

Bautista is hitting .253/.387/.470 with three home runs, seven doubles and 20 strikeouts in 26 games since the injury.