TORONTO (AP) - Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista is sitting out his second straight game because of a right ankle injury.
He wore a walking boot Saturday when the Blue Jays played the New York Yankees. He’s been receiving treatment after sliding into third base in Toronto’s 16-7 win Thursday over the Yankees at the Rogers Centre.
“There’s less swelling, it’s feeling a lot looser,” Bautista said. “I feel like I can put my weight on the ankle now, and I’m feeling much better.”
Bautista made an aggressive slide while trying to break up a double play.
“As I slid my cleat got caught in the dirt, and I just rolled over on my ankle a little bit,” he said. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought at first. It was painful and I definitely had some swelling and restricted movement yesterday, but everything is improving a lot.”
The injury will be evaluated again on Sunday. With the Blue Jays off Monday, Bautista is hoping to return for the series opener against the visiting Seattle Mariners on Tuesday.
“I’m pretty confident, but again it’s not entirely my decision,” he said.
Bautista leads the majors with 31 home runs. He’s batting .336 with 65 RBIs this season. He signed a 65-million, five-year contract extension with the Blue Jays in the offseason.
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