Bats is back: Blue Jays activate Bautista, Goins to triple-A

The Toronto Blue Jays have taken one step closer to their full form. Jose Bautista has been activated from the 15-day disabled list ahead of Thursday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Bautista was sidelined with a knee injury suffered on an awkward outfield play just over two weeks ago. Earlier this season he missed time with turf toe.

The absence of Devon Travis, who is still dealing with a knuckle issue, means that Bautista returns to the leadoff spot in the Blue Jays’ linuep for the time being.

When Travis returns, manager John Gibbons will be afforded a greater level of flexibility as Toronto seems to have been one player away from their strongest starting nine all season long. Positionally, Bautista returns as the designated hitter and could see extended reps there down the stretch. This forces Edwin Encarnacion into the field on a near full-time basis and relegates Justin Smoak to pinch-hit duty.

It hasn’t been an ideal free agent walk year for Bautista, who is hitting just .222 over 80 games. His on-base percentage of .349 does help to buoy his offensive value, however, and the early struggles can be wiped clean with a solid month plus as the Blue Jays fight for the American League East crown.

Ryan Goins heads back to the triple-A Buffalo Bisons where he’ll be eligible to return to the MLB expanded roster on September 5th. Goins is hitting just .186 in 184 plate appearances this season and could feel the squeeze when playoff rosters are chosen.