The Blue Jays got encouraging news on two fronts Monday as they try to climb back into the American League wild card picture. Right-hander Shane Bieber and outfielder Anthony Santander both took meaningful steps in their recoveries, giving Toronto potential reinforcements for the final two weeks of the regular season.

Bieber, sidelined since Aug. 24 with right teres major inflammation, was scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time on Sept. 15, formally beginning his throwing progression. The club lists his expected return as potentially by the end of the season, which would give a battered rotation a significant late boost.

Santander's road has been far longer. The outfielder has not played since March after undergoing left shoulder labral surgery and was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 25. He is now playing daily in Triple-A during the week of Sept. 14, including time in the outfield, and is also targeting a return before the regular season ends.

A third name is arguably closer than either. Trey Yesavage, out since Aug. 5 following left meniscus surgery, was scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday and could rejoin the big league club around Sept. 20 or 21 if everything goes according to plan.

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The positive updates land against a brutal backdrop. Jameson Taillon's season is likely finished after he landed on the injured list Sept. 5 with right elbow inflammation, with the club awaiting Dr. Keith Meister's interpretation of his MRI. Jose Berrios underwent full Tommy John surgery in May and may not return until late 2027. Yimi Garcia was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome and is out until 2027, while Bowden Francis, Cody Ponce, Jake Bloss and Addison Barger are all done for the year.

Toronto has also been shuffling the roster, designating Jesus Sanchez for assignment on Sept. 11 and selecting Rudy Martin Jr. to the major league roster.

At 75-77, the Blue Jays sit fourth in the AL East and roughly two games behind Cleveland for the final wild card spot. Getting Bieber, Santander and Yesavage back over the next two weeks would give John Schneider a considerably deeper roster for whatever September push remains.