If all goes well, Trey Yesavage (knee surgery) will be one-and-done with Triple-A Buffalo ahead of his expected late-season return from the injured list.

Yesavage, who threw a 30-pitch, two-inning live BP session at the Blue Jays’ player development complex in Dunedin, Fla., on Thursday, will return to Toronto on Friday before throwing a bullpen session Sunday at Rogers Centre. From there, assuming all goes well, the 23-year-old will head to Triple-A Buffalo to begin a rehab assignment “later next week,” per manager John Schneider.

The target range for that rehab start will be around 40-50 pitches after building up to 30 this week. Since Buffalo’s season ends on Sep. 20, he’ll probably have time to make just one appearance before returning to the Blue Jays’ pitching staff.

At this point, Yesavage — he topped out at 93 m.p.h. in Thursday’s live BP session — will return as a bulk, multi-inning reliever once he’s activated from the IL. Whether they decide to stretch him out further will likely depend on game script and performance.

Based on the Blue Jays’ current rotation, which consists of only three traditional starters, the obvious preference will be to slot Yesavage into one of the bullpen-day spots upon his return. At the moment, the club is piecing together those games with a stable of relievers along with Spencer Arrighetti and Michael Lorenzen — the lone length options currently on the roster.

When Yesavage returns, the hope is that he’ll be able to provide both length and quality innings.

Schneider also mentioned Anthony Santander (shoulder surgery) will continue his Triple-A rehab assignment through “at least the middle of next week.” He’ll play the outfield for 5-7 innings on Friday after spending his first rehab game as the DH, going 0-for-4 in his first game since last year’s ALCS.

The Blue Jays want to give him as many at-bats as possible, given the five-plus months he’s missed since undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in February. But it’s not just about reps for the rehabbing 31-year-old. They’ll also closely monitor the quality of his ABs and how his body responds physically to these live-game situations.

If the club determines Santander can help move the needle forward for Toronto’s offence, there’s a chance he could come up during the final week of the regular season, and with Jesús Sánchez — designated for assignment Friday afternoon — no longer on the roster, making room for the former has since become much simpler.

Shane Bieber (teres major strain) is hoping to throw off a mound sometime during the club’s current homestand, which runs through Wednesday. He’s a few steps behind Yesavage’s progress, but there’s still belief he can return before this season ends. However, since he probably won’t be available to make any Triple-A rehab appearances, this is likely trending towards a potential post-season comeback as a short-stint reliever.

Things are moving slowly for the pending free agent, though. So much of that remains up in the air.

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