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Toronto Blue Jays activate Brandon Belt as playoffs near

The Toronto Blue Jays, whose recent hot streak has them holding the second American League wild-card position entering Tuesday's games, activated first baseman/designated hitter Brandon Belt from the 10-day injured list among several roster moves.

Belt, who suffered back spasms and was placed on the IL Sept. 12, has slashed .251/.369/.470 with 16 home runs in 97 games this season. His presence is expected to help the Blue Jays' offense as they begin the final six-game stretch of the regular season.

Belt, 35, has not eclipsed 97 games played since 2019, when he played in 156 games for the San Francisco Giants.

The Blue Jays also recalled right-handed pitcher Jay Jackson from Triple-A Buffalo and sent right-hander Nate Pearson and first baseman Spencer Horwitz to the Florida Complex League.

Jackson is 3-1 with a 2.36 ERA in 23 games for Toronto this season, tossing 25 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings of relief.

Pearson won five of seven decisions this season, putting up a 4.85 ERA over 35 relief appearances.

Horwitz was hitting .256 with a home run and seven RBIs through 15 games.