Bautista returns to Blue Jays' lineup against Angels

TORONTO (AP) Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista has been activated from the 15-day disabled list and is leading off against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night.

Bautista was at designated hitter Thursday and he'll spend ''plenty of time'' there, manager John Gibbons said. Toronto began the day tied with Boston for the AL East lead.

The six-time All-Star is batting .222 with 15 homers and 48 RBIs. Over his career, he's 1 for 15 with six strikeouts against Angels starter Jered Weaver.

Bautista sprained his left knee when he stumbled in the outfield during an Aug. 9 loss to Tampa Bay, his second injury this season while fielding his position. He hurt his left big toe jumping into the wall in Philadelphia on June 16.

Second baseman Devon Travis (right ring finger) is sitting for the third straight day but hopes to return Friday. All-Star outfielder Michael Saunders (hamstring) is also out.

Infielder Ryan Goins was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for Bautista.