Jose Bautista expected to rejoin Blue Jays on Friday

In this file photo, Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista ducks from a pitch thrown by Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Luis Mendoza during AL baseball action in Toronto on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. (The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette)

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DETROIT -- Toronto outfielder Jose Bautista is on track to return to the team Friday.

Manager John Farrell says the slugger had six at-bats Wednesday morning in a simulated game. He'll be in the lineup with Double-A New Hampshire on Thursday before joining the Blue Jays at Baltimore a day later.

Bautista hasn't played since July 16 because of a left wrist injury. He's hitting .244 with 27 homers on the year.

Before Wednesday night's game at Detroit, Toronto put shortstop Yunel Escobar on the paternity list and recalled right-hander Chad Beck from Triple-A Las Vegas.