Jose Reyes says he is feeling “way better” a day after an MRI revealed the Toronto Blue Jays shortstop is suffering from a mild left hamstring strain.
Reyes is listed as day-to-day and the Blue Jays are hopeful the 30-year-old will be ready for the season opener March 31 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Manager John Gibbons has said second baseman Ryan Goins would start at shortstop if Reyes needs additional time to recover. Maicer Izturis started at shortstop for the Blue Jays Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies in Grapefruit League action. Izturis would shift to second in event Reyes can’t play.
On Tuesday, Gibbons revealed that the team’s backup catcher to open the season will be determined Wednesday. Incumbent Josh Thole and newly-acquired Erik Kratz have been in competition for the position all spring.
Reyes hit .296/.353/.427 in 419 plate appearances last season. The native of Dominican Republic saw action in only 93 games in 2013 after suffering a severe ankle injury early in the season.
