TORONTO -- Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista was back in the starting lineup as the designated hitter for Toronto's 10-9 win Tuesday against the White Sox and said his sore right shoulder was pain-free after a cortisone shot.
Bautista went 3-for-4 with five RBIs in his return to the lineup after missing two games.
The 34-year-old Bautista, who had the injection Sunday, said he was "encouraged" after making approximately 25 throws at around 90 feet before taking batting practice, the most he's thrown in more than a month.
Bautista hasn't been able to play the outfield since April 21, when he strained his shoulder making a throw to first base. He missed five games following the injury before returning as designated hitter on April 27. But he said he's hopeful he can return to the outfield for the first time since April 21 when Toronto visits Washington on Monday.
Batting .215 with seven homers and 25 RBI, Bautista said he' hopes to play the field next Monday when the Blue Jays start a series at Washington next Monday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.