Jays GM believes Jose Bautista can return to all-star form

TORONTO - Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins says that slugger Jose Bautista is capable of returning to his all-star form.

Bautista tested the free agent market this off-season before deciding to return to the Blue Jays on a one-year contract with two option years.

The 36-year-old right-fielder hit 22 homers and drove in 69 runs last season but was limited to just 116 games.

Speaking at a media availability today at Rogers Centre, Atkins says he thinks it's more likely Bautista has a repeat of his 2015 season rather than his 2016 campaign.

Atkins feels Bautista's dip in numbers last year was due to injuries.

Bautista is a six-time all-star. He hit 40 homers and had 114 RBIs in 2015.

• 

  Toronto Blue Jays Jose Bautista flips his bat after hitting a three-run homer during seventh inning game 5 American League Division Series baseball action in Toronto on Oct. 14, 2015. (Chris Young / The Canadian Press)

• 

  Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista stretches his arms as he walks up the field in the first official workout of spring training in Dunedin, Fla., on February 22, 2016. (Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press)