ST. LOUIS -- Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez is nearing a return and will likely be activated from the 10-day disabled list in time for a start vs. the Rays on Sunday afternoon.
Sanchez has been out since April 14 with a blister on his right middle finger. He threw a bullpen session on Thursday and will pitch off a mound again on Friday before receiving final clearance to start against Tampa Bay.
"The plan is Sanchy will throw a bullpen again tomorrow," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said on Thursday morning. "If all's good, he'll pitch Sunday and [Marco] Estrada will go Monday.