Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston Monday, Sept. 7, 2015. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Kevin Pillar Injury: Updates on Toronto Blue Jays OF's Thumb and Return

Scott PolacekAug 8, 2016

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar suffered a left thumb sprain and was placed on the disabled list on Aug. 8. However, he has been cleared to return.

Continue for updates.

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Pillar Activated Off Disabled List

Tuesday, Aug. 23

Scott MacArthur of TSN reported Pillar has been brought off the DL, and Ryan Tepera has been optioned to Buffalo.

Pillar's Absence Tested Toronto's OF Depth

Pillar had a breakout season in 2015 with career highs in home runs (12), RBI (56) and stolen bases (25). He provides occasional pop in an already loaded lineup, but he also helps set the table for the dangerous power hitters in the middle of the order with his speed and ability to take the extra base.

Prior to the injury, he was hitting .292 with seven home runs and 45 RBI in 2016.

His speed also allows him to cover plenty of ground in the outfield, which makes him particularly valuable on the defensive side. According to FanGraphs, Pillar was responsible for 22 total defensive runs saved above average in the outfield last season alone.

Pillar is a critical presence in the order because of his speed and ability to get on base (he posted a career-high .314 on-base percentage in 2015).

Toronto is undoubtedly excited to have Pillar back in the lineup.