Blue Jays SS Yunel Escobar back in lineup, 2 days after suspension ends

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar is back in the starting lineup two days after he served a three-game suspension for wearing eye-black displaying an anti-gay slur written in Spanish.

Escobar, who was out during a three-game series against the New York Yankees, batted fifth in manager John Farrell’s lineup for Saturday night’s game at Tampa Bay.

Escobar had a pinch-hit single in the eighth inning of the Blue Jays’ 12-1 loss to the Rays Friday night.

Escobar apologized and said he meant it to be a joke. He will take part in an outreach initiative to promote tolerance to others based on their sexual orientation, and participate in a sensitivity training program.