With his chances of returning in 2018 essentially slim and none, a long goodbye to Toronto slugger Jose Bautista kicked off Tuesday night as the Blue Jays began their final homestand of the season. The 36-year-old outfielder has been a longtime face of the franchise and was a key force in helping the Blue Jays make back-to-back ALCS appearances over the last two years. But both Bautista and the Blue Jays have struggled this season. The Blue Jays acquired Bautista from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008 and he enjoyed a breakout season two years later. The Blue Jays' three-game set against the Royals will be followed by a three-game series against the Yankees.

Source: CBC News September 20, 2017 01:41 UTC