Jose Bautista attempting MLB comeback as two-way player, per report

Jose Bautista wants to make a comeback.

The former Toronto Blue Jays slugger has been working out as a pitcher in hopes of returning as a two-way player, ESPN reported.

Bautista, famous for his epic bat flip on a tie-breaking three-run homer in Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS against Texas, has not played in a major league game since Sept. 30 of 2018. Primarily an outfielder and third basemen, Bautista hit 344 home runs over the course of his 15-year career.

“I’ve seen video of Jose Bautista throwing a bullpen session. Couldn’t tell the velocity, but one source said he can run his fastball up to 94,” Passan tweeted in a follow-up to his report.  “His slider had legitimate tilt — threw a short one and a bigger bender.”

In February Major League Baseball announced a series of rule changes, including one that exempts two-way players from counting against the maximum number of pitchers allowed on an active roster. For the 39-year-old Bautista, the rule change could open the door for an MLB comeback.

In January Mets starter Marcus Stroman tweeted “My bro [Jose Bautista] is nasty on the mound. We been working working. All jokes aside, this man can pitch in a big league bullpen. I’ll put my word on it!” Stroman tweeted in January.”

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