Blue Jays injury and visa woes continue

The Toronto Blue Jays injury and visa woes continue as Anthony Alford and Justin Smoak are the latest players battling injuries while Seung-hwan Oh is still unable to get into game action due to visa issues.

Alford Sidelined 3-6 Weeks

Anthony Alford will be shelved for 3-6 weeks with a grade 2 hamstring strain, the outfielder was arguably one of the most impressive Blue Jays in camp. Alford was tabbed to begin the season in Buffalo however he was pushing the envelope with his play to break camp with the big club.

The 23-year old played four games with the Jays last season before suffering a broken hamate bone in his hand that derailed his season. This spring Alford was batting .323 with six extra-base hits in 13 Grapefruit League games before the injury.

Smoak Nursing Sprained Wrist

Slugger Justin Smoak is nursing a sprained wrist according to Manager John Gibbons. The first baseman is slated to return to action tomorrow as the injury is deemed to be overly serious.

Randal Grichuk also dealt with a wrist issue earlier in camp as the Jays have waded through a plethora of spring aches and pains.

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Donaldson Back In The Lineup Today

Third-baseman Josh Donaldson is back in the lineup today batting third versus the Philadelphia Phillies. The former MVP has been sidelined with suspected calf issues, however, J.D. reiterated that it was just cramping from dehydration.

With Donaldson set to hit the free agent waters at season’s end, it would be conceivable that he doesn’t want to get tagged with having chronic calf issues in the wake of the current free agent climate. Donaldson has also missed time earlier in the spring with a barking throwing shoulder that kept him from playing defense at the start of camp.

Oh Still Having Visa Issues

Seung-hwan Oh has still to pitch in a spring training game due to work visa issues. The veteran reliever has had a rollercoaster offseason after initially signing with the Texas Rangers only for them to negate the deal due to something they found in his medical records.

Oh then latched on with Toronto but hasn’t been able to secure a visa so he has been limited to side sessions and simulated games.

Next: Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman back on the bump

Hopefully, the Jays receive a positive prognosis from Marcus Stroman after he completes his first two innings of the spring versus the Canadian Junior Team later today.