Lind set for return; Encarnacion not far behind

SEATTLE -- Adam Lind appears set to make his return and is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to Tuesday night's game against the Mariners.

Lind appeared in a simulated game on Monday morning at the Blue Jays' Minor League complex in Dunedin, Fla. He was scheduled to travel to Seattle later that day, and barring any last-minute setbacks, Lind will play in Game 2 of a crucial series.

The veteran slugger likely will start his first two games at designated hitter and then will split time at DH and first base with Edwin Encarnacion.

"This morning, he took some swings just to make sure before we bring him up," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said on Monday afternoon. "Lindy will be here tomorrow unless something happens on the plane."

Lind appeared in just one official rehab game with the Gulf Coast Blue Jays. He was scheduled for more games but a minor back issue combined with some rain changed the club's original plan.

Encarnacion also appears to be nearing a return from a strained right quadriceps muscle. His game with Class A Dunedin was rained out Sunday but he received one at-bat on Monday and is scheduled to continue his rehab in Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday. The goal is to have Encarnacion ready for the series opener against the White Sox on Friday night in Chicago.

Toronto won't have to make an additional roster move to create a spot for Lind on the 25-man roster. Left-hander Brad Mills was designated for assignment after allowing five runs on three hits and three walks over 2 1/3 innings in Monday's 11-1 loss to Seattle.