Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes is day-to-day after an MRI revealed that he has a mild left hamstring strain.
Maicer Izturis started at shortstop for the Blue Jays Monday, though the club remains hopeful Reyes will be ready for the season opener. Ryan Goins would start at shortstop if Reyes needs time off, manager John Gibbons said.
The manager also confirmed to reporters that Goins won the everyday second base job. The left-handed hitting second baseman impressed the Blue Jays with his glove in a 34-game cameo last season and entered camp as the favourite for the starting role.
Reyes played in just 93 games last year due to an ankle injury sustained during the opening month of the season. He hit .296/.353/.427 in 419 plate appearances, but had trouble fielding balls to his left at times. He finished the year with 15 stolen bases and zero triples — numbers he expects to build on in 2014.
Munenori Kawasaki would be available if Reyes’ injury requires a stint on the disabled list. However, manager John Gibbons told reporters that Kawasaki will not make the team out of spring training.
