SPORTS

Bautista returns to Jays lineup for game against Brewers

The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, July 1, 2014 12:06PM EDT Last Updated Tuesday, July 1, 2014 12:36PM EDT

Toronto Blue Jays' Jose Bautista, left, watches his double in the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, June 15, 2014, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

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TORONTO -- Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista returned to the starting lineup Tuesday afternoon for the first time since suffering a strained left hamstring over a week ago.

Bautista was in his usual No. 3 position in the batting order and served as designated hitter for the opener of a two-game series against Milwaukee at Rogers Centre.

The all-star right-fielder suffered the injury during a game June 22 at Cincinnati.

Bautista made a pinch-hit appearance in Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox. He was 0-for-1 and left two runners on base.

Toronto took a three-game losing skid into the matinee against the Brewers. The Blue Jays started the day with a one-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East division standings.

Bautista is batting .304 this season with 15 homers and 49 RBIs.