SEATTLE – Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander was removed from the American League Championship Series roster on Thursday due to injury.
The team announced the change shortly before the start of Game 4 against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Santander was replaced by outfielder Joey Loperfido, who was available off the bench.
Seattle won the first two games of the best-of-seven series in Toronto but the Blue Jays took Game 3 on the road.
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Santander has battled lower back tightness in recent days. He scored a run after reaching on a walk in Toronto’s 13-4 victory on Wednesday before he was pulled midway through the game.
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“We would obviously love to have him in there, but it’s part of the game, part of this point of the season,” said right-hander Kevin Gausman, who was named Toronto’s starter for Game 5 on Friday afternoon.
“He has really battled back to even get back. But, yeah, it’s next guy up.”
Santander missed about four months of the regular season due to a shoulder injury. He hit .175 over 54 games with six homers and 18 RBIs.
Santander was 3 for 15 in the playoffs with two RBIs. Addison Barger got the start in right field for Game 4.
Loperfido hit .333 for the Blue Jays in a part-time role this season. He had four homers and 14 RBIs over 41 games.
If a sixth game is necessary, it will be played Sunday at Rogers Centre.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
