HOUSTON – The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to activate catcher Raffy Lopez before Friday’s series opener against the Houston Astros.

The Blue Jays sent Lopez to Houston in anticipation of a big-league promotion Friday, industry sources tell me and Shi Davidi. This development could be related to the status of Miguel Montero, who exited Wednesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox with a right groin strain. Afterwards, Montero said he expected to be fine by Friday.

Lopez has spent most of the season playing for the Blue Jays’ triple-A affiliate, and he has hit well in 59 games with Buffalo. The left-handed hitting 29-year-old has a 293/.368/.551 batting line with 12 home runs for the Bisons. Lopez has some MLB experience, having played for the 2014 Cubs and the 2016 Reds.

The Blue Jays would have to add Lopez to their 40-man roster before promoting him, but they have an empty spot available.