Blue Jays Slugger Anthony Santander Addresses Fan Criticism Over Surgery Timing
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander has responded directly to fan criticism regarding the timing of his recent shoulder surgery, clarifying that medical developments—not personal choice—dictated the delayed procedure. The announcement last week that Santander would require labrum surgery and face another five to six months of recovery sparked questions from segments of the Toronto fanbase, who wondered why the operation wasn't performed earlier in the offseason.
Medical Revelation Forces Change in Treatment Plan
Santander explained that the initial MRI taken during the previous season did not reveal the full extent of damage to his shoulder. Based on those results, both the player and the Blue Jays medical staff agreed that rehabilitation represented the best course of action. However, persistent pain during pre-training camp workouts in late January prompted a second MRI, which uncovered more extensive issues that rehabilitation alone could not address.
"It's not easy to deal with something like this," Santander told reporters at the Blue Jays' spring training facility in Dunedin. "I mean injuries, things that you cannot control, right? Obviously, me as a ball player, coming here to a new team, signing my contract, I want to be there with the guys every day."
Frustration Mounts as Injuries Continue to Plague Career
The Venezuelan slugger expressed clear frustration with having his commitment questioned. "Unfortunately, things happen. They're not under your control. Some people think differently, but I know who I am. I know I'm trying my best to be on the field with my teammates," Santander emphasized.
This latest setback continues a troubling pattern for Santander since signing a five-year, $92.5-million contract with Toronto last offseason. He was limited to just 54 games in his first season with the Blue Jays and now faces another drastically shortened campaign—assuming he can return after the required five- to six-month healing period for labrum surgery.
Productive History Contrasts With Recent Struggles
The contrast between Santander's current situation and his previous performance is stark. In his most recent healthy season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, he demonstrated elite power production, smashing 44 home runs and driving in 102 runs. That offensive output represented exactly what the Blue Jays hoped to acquire when they made their significant investment in the veteran outfielder.
As Santander begins his recovery process, the Blue Jays must now adjust their lineup plans for the upcoming season without one of their key offensive weapons. The team's medical staff will monitor his rehabilitation closely, hoping this surgical intervention finally resolves the shoulder issues that have hampered his performance since joining the organization.
