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DUNEDIN — While several injured Blue Jays appear to be nearly ready to return to full baseball activity, Jesse Carlson was added to the list.
“We’re going to back Jesse out for a couple of days,” said manager John Farrell. “He’s got some inflammation in his shoulder.”
This is a setback for the lefty reliever trying to grab a bullpen spot against long odds. He is one of seven relievers vying for just two spots.
Meanwhile, Aaron Hill is set to return to the field in a B game at Clearwater on Wednesday morning. He’s been held out mainly as a precaution because of tightness in his right quad muscle.
Likewise, Travis Snider is getting very close to a clean bill of health as the inflammation to a muscle in his rib cage has subsided to the point where he is taking batting practice and working on his fielding.
Relief pitchers Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco are both getting closer to game-readiness. Rauch had a slow start to camp because of an ankle sprain and Francisco has been taking his normal sweet time to get his pitching shoulder in condition.
Kyle Drabek missed his scheduled start Monday with a stiff neck. He’ll pitch off a mound on Wednesday and make his next start on Saturday.
Last, but not least, third-base coach Brian Butterfield is expected to return on Wednesday after missing 10 days with a nasty flu-like ailment.
