Colby Rasmus Could Return This Weekend For Blue Jays

Jul 31, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Colby Rasmus (28) hits a two run RBI single against the Oakland Athletics during the tenth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Oakland Athletics 5-2. Mandatory Credit: L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

With the Toronto Blue Jays trying to stave off a sweep at the hands of the visiting Los Angeles Angels, fans will welcome just about any good news that they can get their hands on. And the news surrounding center fielder Colby Rasmus more than encouraging.

After taking some healthy cuts in the batting cage prior to Thursday’s game, Rasmus proclaimed that he is essentially pain free and taking swings at game speed. That would be the final hurdle that Rasmus needed to clear, setting up a return to the Blue Jays line-up for a weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles according to John Lott of the National Post.

That’s big news for a Blue Jays line-up that, because they have been unable to replace the lost bats of Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista, and Rasmus, has been anemic over the last several games. Getting Rasmus back into the fold will certainly add at least one different layer to the meat of the order, which has relied on Brett Lawrie, Adam Lind, and Moises Sierra in the 3-4-5 slots.

Colby Rasmus has been on the 15-day disabled list since August 14th with an oblique strain.

Prior to hitting the disabled list, the 27-year-old was on pace for a career season. In 112 games and 439 plate appearances, Rasmus was hitting .273 with 18 home runs, 60 RBI, and a wRC+ of 121. His 4.0 wins above replacement (FanGraphs), would rank him 7th among Major League center fielders.