Toronto Blue Jays receive mixed injury news ahead of playoffs

As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for their first postseason action since 2016, they received contrasting news regarding Rowdy Tellez and Jordan Romano’s respective recoveries from injury.

With one regular season game remaining, the fifth seed in the American League is still up for grabs for the Toronto Blue Jays. However, this will require them to beat the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, combined with a New York Yankees loss to the Miami Marlins.

Regardless of what happens though, the Blue Jays are headed to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Suffice it to say, this was not something which was predicted ahead of the 2020 season and even now, a lot of people still have their doubts about the team.

The Blue Jays suffered a scare during Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Orioles, when Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was forced to leave the game with a foot contusion. However, this was just a precautionary move and Gurriel Jr. will be good to go when the wild card round starts on Tuesday.

Understandably, injuries can make all the difference for a team during the postseason, and the Blue Jays are no different. In this respect, they received some contrasting updates regarding two players who have been out of the lineup of late.

Starting with the bad news, Sportsnet‘s Ben Nicholson-Smith reports that Rowdy Tellez is not expected to be ready for the opening round of the playoffs. Tellez suffered a right knee strain earlier this month in a game against the Yankees, after stepping on a soft spot of ground near the bullpen area.

More from Toronto Blue Jays

• Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
• Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
• Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
• Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
• Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback

This is a blow for the Blue Jays, with Tellez putting together a career-best .283/.346/.540 slash line prior to his injury. The only consolation is that general manager Ross Atkins said the 25-year-old could be an option if the team advances to the American League Division Series.

Turning to the positive, there was better news in respect of Jordan Romano. Also reported by Nicholson-Smith, Romano is still in the mix for a playoff roster spot.

Atkins said the team’s confidence in the pitcher is very high. Romano has been out of action since suffering right middle finger numbness in late August.

There is no doubt the 27-year-old’s return would provide a boost for a bullpen which could use all the help it can get. He had improved significantly during his second year in the Majors with impressive statistics across the board, including an ERA of 1.23 and a 0.886 WHIP.

Does the likely absence of Tellez for the wild card round concern you at all? By contrast, how much of a boost do you believe Romano would provide for the Toronto Blue Jays? Let us know in the comments section below.