Toronto Blue Jays: Clayton Richard placed on injured list

Clayton Richard has been placed on the injured list, according to multiple reports. Edwin Jackson is to replace him on the major-league roster.

According to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, Blue Jays pitcher Clayton Richard is to be placed on the injured list with a left lat strain. Shortly after Davidi’s report, the Blue Jays confirmed the move.

Richard left his start Saturday with “left lat tightness”, the team confirmed after his departure. TSN’s Scott Mitchell reported after the game that Richard underwent an MRI to assess the injury.

Davidi, along with Blue Jays broadcaster Ben Wagner, reported that Edwin Jackson, who had been on a rehab stint at Triple-A Buffalo, will be joining the team once again.

More from Jays Journal

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

Richard, 35, has pitched to an ERA of 5.96 in 45.1 innings for the Blue Jays thus far. In 10 starts, he owns a record of 1-5 to go along with 22 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.566.

Jackson, also 35, has been less-than-stellar in his seven appearances for the Blue Jays this season, posting a ghastly 12.43 ERA and a 9.68 FIP in 25.1 innings. In addition, he has issued 12 walks and has hit two batters, resulting in a WHIP of 2.289.

Though neither pitcher has been overly impressive in their respective outings, losing a pitcher is perhaps the last thing that this Blue Jays team needs at this point in the summer.

While the extent of Richard’s injury is not yet known, he is, per many reports, likely to be placed on the 10-day IL and be re-evaluated at some point in the next week or two. More to come.