Rajai Davis to DL With Oblique Strain; Blue Jays Recall Chad Jenkins

Apr 19, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Rajai Davis (11) at third base on a triple in the first inning against the New York Yankees at the Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY SportsChalk another one up to the growing list of the walking wounded, as the Toronto Blue Jays have placed outfielder Rajai Davis on the disabled list with an oblique strain and recalled right-hander Chad Jenkins from Double-A New Hampshire, according to a tweet from Shi Davidi.

Davis left Friday’s game in Boston during the 6th inning, due to lingering issues in his left side. According to Gregor Chisholm, the speedy outfielder has been experience discomfort since the recent series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Davis has been a relative bright spot for the Blue Jays thus far this season, getting ample playing time in light of the early season injury to Jose Bautista and then seeing additional time in center field and at designated hitter versus left-handed pitching. Through 26 games and 86 plate appearances, Davis was hitting a solid .284 with a .721 OPS, 13 runs scored, and 8 stolen bases (1 CS).

Chad Jenkins has been recalled to fill Davis’s roster spot. Jenkins made his Major League debut in 2012, appearing in 13 games and making 3 starts, posting a 1-3 record, a 4.50 ERA, and a 4.5 K/9 ratio in the process. Interestingly enough, Jenkins himself has made just one appearance in 2013, throwing five innings for the Double-A Fisher Cats in a no-decision against New Britain on May 6th. He was scheduled to start Saturday’s game against Trenton before the recall.

The choice to promote Jenkins may simply be a short-term decision and may be an indication that Brandon Morrow will not be ready to start on Sunday as planned. Morrow had been pushed back from Friday’s start due to neck and back spasms. However, according to Chisolm, Morrow was also in Florida getting evaluated as of last night, so the recall of Jenkins may be forth-telling of Toronto’s plans for Morrow’s start tomorrow.

When it rains, it pours.