Bautista Starts Road Back

DUNEDIN, Fla.—Jose Bautista’s recovery from turf toe took a big step forward on Wednesday with a rehab start with Class-A Dunedin.

Bautista went 1-3 with a solo homer in the first over the double decker fence in left center at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.

“I feel pretty good,” said Bautista afterwards, “I was good enough to pass with flying colors.”

As to the home run Bautista said, “It’s always good to get it going. Obviously it’s good to see a few pitches and go up to the big team.”

According to Bautista his returning to Toronto might not be that far away.

“As far as I know we have to see how everything goes in Buffalo,” said Bautista, “I don’t expect any setbacks. If things go as planned I should be back in Toronto on Monday.”

Jose Bautista Solo HR to Left Center on a 3-2 Pitch (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

With the injury putting a bit of a side track to this season Bautista was positive.

“I am always excited about playing baseball, it’s what I love to do. It kind of starts when you have to take a step back and take things off because of an injury.”

Bautista, the ball and the wall all met at once with the ball bouncing away towards the center fielder Anthony Alford. (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

Bautista also grounded out and struck out during his one game rehab in Dunedin. He also tried to make a leaping catch against the right field fence. Unfortunately, he along with the ball and wall all met at once and the ball fell away.

Bautista Signs for the Fans Afterwards (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

On the smiles after his first inning home run Bautista said, “When you do something good you are allowed to enjoy it.” (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

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