Blue Jays' Jose Bautista activated off DL before San Diego series

Toronto Blue Jays' Jose Bautista watches a ball go foul against the New York Yankees during the third inning of MLB baseball action in Toronto, Tuesday May 31, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch)

TORONTO -- Jose Bautista is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup.

The team has activated the slugging right-fielder off of the disabled list hours before the series opener against the San Diego Padres.

Bautista was slated to bat leadoff and play in right field.

To make room for Bautista, the Blue Jays designated Junior Lake for assignment.

Bautista had not played since June 16, when he hurt his right big toe trying to field a fly ball in Philadelphia. He was diagnosed with turf toe, and had spent the last week on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues of the Toronto organization.

In his absence, Bautista's spot in the field was largely filled by Ezequiel Carrera and Lake.

In 65 games this year, Bautista is hitting .230 with 12 home runs and 41 runs batted in. In 19 games in 2016, Lake hit .206 with a home run and two runs batted in.