Blue Jays reliever Brett Cecil dealing with torn lat

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Brett Cecil underwent an MRI on monday in Dunedin, and according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the tests revealed a torn lat muscle that could keep the left-hander out of action for over a month.

Cecil was placed on the disabled list Sunday with the injury. After being away from the team for the series in San Francisco as his wife gave birth to their third child, Cecil reportedly felt a “tug” recently in his throwing arm.

This leaves the Blue Jays bullpen in a more difficult situation than they’d thought, especially if “at least one month” stretches further with the inclusion of a rehab stint in the minor leagues.

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The Blue Jays will now be forced to shift their arms into higher-leverage situations, primarily Joe Biagini and Gavin Floyd, who seems to have emerged as a legitimate set-up candidate ahead of Roberto Osuna. In a pefect world, Drew Storen would be prepared to pick up Cecil’s role and run with it, but manager John Gibbons is currently working him in lower-level roles as his early-season struggles continue

On a more specific level, this also puts the club in a difficult spot as they are now very thin on left-handed options. Chad Girodo currently represents their top healthy lefty with the ambidextrous Pat Venditte joining him after being recalled prior to Tuesday night’s game.

Franklin Morales is working his way back from a shoulder injury and Aaron Loup, while further along than Morales health-wise, has struggled in his brief minor league appearances.

This muscle is the same that caused troubles fort starter Aaron Sanchez in 2015. The timing is especially difficult for Cecil, who is entering free agency following this season.