Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista suffered a toe injury when he ran into the wall during Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. While X-rays were negative, he was placed on the disabled list on Friday. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the field.
Continue for updates.
Bautista Injury Details Revealed
Saturday, June 18
Bautista underwent an MRI on his left foot on Friday, and the Blue Jays are giving the results to a specialist for further examination, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, who added Bautista is currently in a walking boot.
On Saturday, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reported Bautista will travel to Charlotte on Monday to be evaluated by a specialist.
Bautista Sent for X-Rays
Thursday, June 16
Chisholm reported the outfielder was experiencing “left big toe soreness” and was “sent for precautionary X-rays.”
Bausista indicated he hyperextended his toe hitting it against the wall and knew he would be headed to the disabled list as soon as it happened, per Zwelling.
Bautista was noticeably limping after hitting the wall:
Bautista Remains Essential Piece to Blue Jays Lineup
Bautista has become one of the league’s most feared power hitters since joining the Blue Jays in 2008, highlighted by six straight seasons with at least 25 home runs. It’s allowed him to win three Silver Slugger awards while serving as a crucial cog in Toronto’s lineup.
The 35-year-old has remained mostly healthy in recent years, appearing in at least 150 games in each of the past two seasons. The last time he missed an extended stretch came in late 2013, when he suffered a hip injury. He also dealt with a minor thigh issue earlier this month.
If Bautista misses action, Ezequiel Carrera figures to pick up most of the extra playing time in the outfield. While he won’t be able to fill the power void, he gets on base at a solid clip and gives the Jays a little more speed on the basepaths.
While the Toronto offense is probably going to see a dip in production during Bautista’s absence, it has enough depth to prevent a major drop-off. The team will hope he’s able to return to his usually durable ways once he’s back to full strength.
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