Francis landed on the IL in mid-June due to a shoulder impingement and received a cortisone shot, and he's only now beginning to ramp up the intensity of his throwing program. He could be ready to begin a rehab assignment after the All-Star break, but as yet there's no timeline for his activation.

TORONTO, CANADA – AUGUST 24: Bowden Francis #44 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks off the mound at the end of the top of the eighth inning of their MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Rogers ...

The Toronto Blue Jays are one of the hottest teams in MLB, but they will be without a reliever as they finish the first part of the season.

Francis (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Monday at the Blue Jays ' complex in Dunedin, Fla., Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Toronto Blue Jays will need to make some very important roster decisions if they want to compete for the World Series.

The Toronto Blue Jays are the top team in the AL East with the All-Star break around the corner, and it isn't just the familiar faces leading the charge.

BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Blue Jays will try to build upon a nine-game win streak with a victory against the Chicago White Sox. Chicago has gone 19-25 at home and 30-61 overall. The White Sox have a 10-6 record in games when they hit at least two home runs.