Alex Rios might be headed to the DL
While not quite as weird as a venison-related injury, Alex Rios may be headed to the DL because of an infection to a bruise. He sustained the bruise earlier this week when he fouled a ball off his left shin. The infection is serious enough that Rios has been hospitalized for the past two days, and placing him on the 15-day DL is being considered.
The venerable Jays blog, Bluebird Banter, is offering up some speculations regarding this recent turn of events:
With the OF being an area of strength and depth for the Blue Jays, I feel like in the short run, Rios' injury is not going to make much of an impact. Both Frank Catalanotto and Reed Johnson have proven themselves worthy of regular at-bat thus far this season… Defensively, Reed Johnson has proven he is capable on handling RF, he will be just fine. In addition, Eric Hinske might see some more playing time. As much as Blue Jays fans like to rip on Hinske, he has handled his diminishing playing time with class and has produced adequately when asked upon.
In fact, if Hinske does find himself in the line-up more often, I think it will be a great opportunity for him to strut his stuff and improve his trade value. While he has taken well to his diminished role with the Jays this year, the former Rookie of the Year would no doubt prefer to be with a club that will give him regular playing time. Hinske's days in Toronto are numbered. While I've enjoyed watching him as a Blue Jay, I think he needs to move on to revitalize his career. Sieze the day, Eric!
UPDATE: Rios on DL with left leg infection, 07/01/2006 9:08 PM ET
