Blue Jays’ Bautista hurts left wrist
Team says slugger has tendon injury
NEW YORK – Jose Bautista and a potent Blue Jays lineup has helped make up for a spate of injuries to the pitching staff this season. Now, Toronto may have to make do without its star slugger for an extended period.
Bautista left Monday night’s 6-3 loss to the New York Yankees in the eighth inning because of a wrist injury.
“We’ve been fortunate as far as our everyday lineup is concerned,” Blue Jays manager John Farrell said. “As far as injuries, we’ve been relatively injury-free. This is the first one and it’s a big blow.”
Bautista injured his left wrist on a swing in the eighth. He hit a long foul ball against David Robertson and immediately grabbed his wrist, dropping into a crouch outside the batter’s box.
He walked off the field, gently supporting the wrist with his right hand after being attended to by several Toronto staff members.
After the game, the Blue Jays said Bautista did not break a bone. But he has a tendon injury and will have an MRI exam today to determine the severity.
“He didn’t say exactly when” he hurt the wrist, Farrell said. “But through the course of completing the swing he felt a little bit of a popping sensation.”
Farrell said the Blue Jays will wait to make a roster move until they have a better idea how long the two-time defending A.L. home run champ will be out.
“There will be a follow-up transaction tomorrow,” Farrell said. “Certainly, Jose’s not going to be ready to go tomorrow.”
Bautista tweeted a message about an hour after the game: “Thanks everyone for your concerns, XRAY negative and further testing tomorrow. (hash)FingersCrossed and wish me luck!”
Bautista is tied for second in the majors with 27 homers.