Jose Bautista required surgery in September to repair the tendon sheath in his left wrist, but word is that he’s making fine progress. Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network Radio has the latest on his recovery:
Good news. Bautista actually expressed interest in playing winter ball this offseason, but the Blue Jays quickly shot that down. They haven’t ruled out the possibility of him playing for his native Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but odds are they’ll want him to focus on being ready for Opening Day.
Bautista, 32, batted .241/.358/.527 with 27 home runs, 65 RBI and an .886 OPS in 92 games last season prior to the surgery. The Blue Jays are hoping his power will remain intact as they attempt to make their move in the American League East.