Bautista says he is over back stiffness

DUNEDIN, Fla. Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista says the lower back stiffness that prevented him from playing for the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic last weekend is no longer an issue.

Bautista was in the original lineup for Wednesday’s spring training game against Detroit. But with an off-day Thursday, it was determined to have him play Friday instead.

“I’m feeling great,” Bautista said. “I talked to the staff and it makes no sense to just kind of crank it up. Just take a day off.”

Bautista is hopeful that his strong start, hitting .563 with two homers and six RBIs in six games before leaving for the WBC, will continue.

“I’m seeing the ball well and feeling good at the plate,” Bautista said. “Just excited to be back in the swing of things with the guys, and looking forward to getting ready for the season.”

Toronto reached the AL Championship Series each of the last two seasons.

“I think we’re comfortable with the group that we have,” Bautista said. “We just have to stay healthy, play hard and play together. Hopefully this season get a little deeper into the playoffs than we have the last two.”

The 36-year-old Bautista was slowed by injuries last season and hit .234 with 22 home runs and 69 RBIs. He then became a free agent before returning to Toronto on a oneyear deal. He had been am All-Star for six straight seasons before his drop-off.

Bautista would like to play in the WBC again.

“It’s a great time,” Bautista said. “We love playing for our teams. It’s a different pride element, a patriotic pride.”

Bautista is calling for major league regular season or spring training games, or the WBC, to be played in the Dominican Republic.

“I’m sure that the interested parties are going to be doing work to make that happen,” Bautista said. “Hopefully it does happen. I think our fellow countrymen, our fans deserve to watch a major league game.”