Saunders (knee) is expected to hit in the minors within the next couple of days, Greg Chisholm of MLB.com reports. Saunders will not run or field, but he'll DH for an undetermined number of innings either Monday or Tuesday. The outfielder continues to work back from a meniscus injury, and his status for Opening Day remains up in the air.

Saunders (knee) took batting practice and will participate in agility drills Wednesday, Barry Davis of Sportsnet reports. Saunders caught a break when he had his recovery timetable from a meniscus procedure revised to 4-to-6 weeks in late February, and now it appears as though he's healing even faster than the Blue Jays could have hoped. There's optimism that Saunders could be ready for Opening Day, but the Blue Jays will continue to see how the outfielder progresses in the next couple of weeks before making a definitive announcement on an expected return date.

Saunders (knee) is expected to hit in the batting cage Tuesday, mlb.com's Gregor Chisholm reports. Saunders continues to make good progress in his recovery, leaving open the possibility that he could make his Jays debut within the first two weeks of the season. That's a massive improvement from the original timetable, which had Saunders out until the All-Star break.

Saunders could be ready by the Blue Jays' home opener, John Lott of the National Post reports. Saunders' original injury outlook had him out until the All-Star break, which makes this expedited timetable that much better. Saunders hit for a .273/.341/.450 slash line last season with the Mariners in just 78 games. He is slated to take over as the everyday left fielder upon his return. If he can stay healthy, he is a good corner outfield option who can provide decent power and has even been a threat on the basepathsstealing 21 bases in 2012if given the green light.

Saunders ended up having 70 percent of his meniscus removed during Friday's procedure and is now expected to miss just 4-to-6 weeks, Barry Davis of Sportsnet.ca reports. Initial reports suggested Saunders would be out until the All-Star break after suffering a torn meniscus in his knee, but his estimated recovery time was reduced dramatically with the decision to actually have most of the meniscus removed. Saunders will leave the hospital without crutches and may be able to resume running in just two weeks. A return as soon as mid-April is now looking realistic, which, needless to say, is outstanding news for the Blue Jays.

Saunders has a torn meniscus in his knee and will be out until the All-Star Break, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi reports. Saunders' fantasy value for the 2015 season will effectively be cut in half -- that is if he's able to return at full stength after the Midsummer Classic. Per Shi Davidi, the Blue Jays will first explore in-house options before turning to other potential solutions as spring training comes to an end. This means that Kevin Pillar and Dalton Pompey should both see consistent work during the first half, while the team may choose to get a longer look at Andy Dirks and Chris Dickerson in camp.

Saunders agreed to a one-year, $2.875 million contract with the Blue Jays on Friday, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports. Saunders was moved from the Mariners to the Blue Jays in the offseason as part of a trade that sent back J.A. Happ to Seattle. He figures to slot in as the starting left fielder for the Blue Jays in 2015, coming off a season in which he hit .273/.341/.450 with eight home runs and 34 RBI in 78 games. Saunders will look to stay healthy following a campaign in which he missed time with knee, shoulder and oblique issues.

Saunders has been traded to the Blue Jays for J.A. Happ, per Jayson Stark. Last season was a career-best for Saunders going by batting average, on-base,and slugging, and should only get better as he escapes Safeco Field. At age 28, Saunders is in his prime and should return to center field. Although he spent some time on the DL last season, Saunders seems headed for a career season in 2015 with a more friendly park and valuable position.

Saunders is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Angels. Saunders will be held out with the Mariners facing left-hander C.J. Wilson on Saturday. Chris Denorfia will get the start in right field in Saunders' place.

Saunders went 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI as he parked his eighth home run of the season. It's been a tumultuous season for Saunders (.268/.332/.439) who has battled injury, inconsistent production and a lack of everyday playing time. Saunders is one of the hotter Seattle bats right now, so look for him to play the last two games of the season as the Mariners are still fighting for a playoff spot.