Gurriel Jr., Tepera nearing returns from injury

TORONTO — Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Ryan Tepera have rejoined the Blue Jays in Toronto and are nearing activations from the injured list, with Tepera expected on Sunday and Gurriel expected for the Rays series later next week.

The Blue Jays chose to move the two players back to Toronto to avoid the potential impact of Hurricane Dorian in Dunedin, Fla., where their complex is located.

Gurriel has been on the IL with a left quad strain and last played on Aug. 8. His return will be key to the Blue Jays as they look to optimize their lineup in 2020 and beyond. The 25-year-old transitioned very well to the outfield this season, where he joins Randal Grichuk, Teoscar Hernandez, Derek Fisher and Billy McKinney.

The Blue Jays also have Jonathan Davis and Anthony Alford on the 40-man roster, but Gurriel’s offensive production stands above the crowd this season. Gurriel is hitting .279 with 19 home runs and an .879 OPS this season, including a stretch of 10 homers over 18 games in June.

Manager Charlie Montoyo has made a point of cycling his players through to get everyone reps this season, which is expected to continue through September as rosters expand. Expect to see this group of outfielders taking up the designated hitter role at times, too, which could impact Justin Smoak and Rowdy Tellez.

Tepera has worked his way back from right elbow surgery in May and made five rehab appearances, his last three with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. The right-hander posted a 6.55 ERA over 12 outings earlier this season, but he’s been one of the club’s most consistent relievers over the past four seasons. Back in Spring Training, Montoyo often listed Tepera as a candidate to be used in the opener role.

The threat of Hurricane Dorian also caused the Florida State League to cancel the final games of its season and the upcoming playoffs. Toronto’s Class A Advanced affiliate, the Dunedin Blue Jays, were leading the FSL North Division and have been named second-half champions.

Guerrero and Alvarez go head to head

American League Rookie of the Year favorite Yordan Alvarez is in town with the Houston Astros on Friday for the three-game series, putting two of baseball’s best young sluggers up against one another.

Alvarez has launched 21 home runs in just 62 games this season with a 1.110 OPS entering the weekend series. This hasn’t surprised Vladimir Guerrero Jr., though.

“I know what he’s capable of doing,” Guerrero said. “I’ve seen him before, so what he’s doing right now, for me, I expect that, basically. Right now, it’s normal.”