Jose Bautista gets tagged out at first base during a run down in the first inning. Bautista was moved from his usual spot in right field to designated hitter for Monday’s game.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
The messages were just a bit mixed from Jose Bautista on Sunday.
Running for the first time in four days testing his sore hamstring, the Blue Jays outfielder later proclaimed himself available to pinch hit in Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox if he was called upon by manager John Gibbons.
But Bautista also said that his right hamstring still felt a bit sore after the exercise, which cannot be a good sign.
"I'm feeling ok," Bautista said. "I ran at about 50-60 percent and it was a little sore which is normal, but it didn't feel weak, I didn't feel like I was going to pull it.
"I hit in the cage and that felt pretty close to 100 percent so I talked to Gibby and because of the way that I feel, I am available to pinch hit today and we'll take it from there. See how I feel Tuesday.
The Blue Jays have an off day on Monday before beginning a two-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday.
Bautista said the plan is for him to try to avoid the disabled list if at all possible. He hasn't played all week after injuring his hamstring last weekend in Cincinnati.