Blue Jays’ Izturis leaves game with groin strain

Pittsburgh Pirates centre fielder Jaff Decker (14) slides safely back to second base after leading off as Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Maicer Izturis, right, is late on the tag during second inning Grapefruit League baseball action. (Nathan Denette/CP)

The Toronto Blue Jays’ bad luck with injuries continued on Friday as second baseman Maicer Izturis left a Grapefruit League game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the third inning.

Izturis suffered a right groin strain and is scheduled to undergo an MRI Saturday.

At the time of the injury Izturis was in contention for the Blue Jays’ starting second base job despite a slow start at the plate that saw him collect just one hit in 15 spring at bats.

While the timetable for Izturis’ return remains unclear, an extended absence would open the door for rookie Devon Travis, utility player Steve Tolleson, or defensive specialist Ryan Goins to win the opening day job.

Izturis hit .286/.324/.314 in 2014, appearing in only 11 games before suffering a season-ending LCL tear. He is set to earn $3 million in 2015.

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