Latest health updates on each of the top injured Blue Jays players

Rightly or wrongly, the common sentiment all year has been that the Blue Jays will end up in a playoff spot come the end of the regular season. There's still a strong case for this happening, but they're making it extremely difficult for themselves by continuing to underachieve.

The Blue Jays have also suddenly started struggling to put wins together at a very inopportune time, losing four of their past six games. Combined with a revitalized Mariners team and the lurking Red Sox, they are in a genuine battle for a precious wild card card spot.

Not helping the cause, is a growing casualty list of the Blue Jays' top players. The latest such addition to said list is outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.

Kiermaier was placed on the 10-day injured list (IL) on August 8, retroactive to August 7. This was as a result of a right elbow laceration, which required eight stitches following a game versus the Red Sox.

The three-time Gold Glover Award winner is expected to be ready to return once his 10 days on the IL are completed. However, even this time period will feel like a long time to fans, for a Blue Jays team which needs the defensive standout.

There was further reason for angst on Sunday, when third baseman Matt Chapman was scratched for the game versus the Cubs. Fortunately for everyone concerned, his right middle finger inflammation is nothing serious and he is considered day-to-day.

Regardless, it brings to mind the question of how long other important Blue Jays players will be out for? Here is the latest news on each of their main injured players.

Jordan Romano

Placed on the 15-day IL on July 29, with lower back inflammation.

The issues surrounding Jordan Romano first flared up, during his appearance in this year's All-Star Game. He had to leave in the seventh inning, due to tightness in his lower back.

The injury did not cause Romano to go to the IL, but the Blue Jays played it smart and he did not return to action for just over a week. However, he suffered a relapse at the end of July, when his back locked up.

This time around, it did result in the two-time All-Star being placed on the IL. The Blue Jays clearly didn't want to take any risks with the lingering back issues.

As with Bichette, the Blue Jays completed a pre-deadline trade for a quality replacement to take the pressure off. Similarly though, as good as Jordan Hicks is, the sooner Romano returns the better.

Along these lines, the 30-year-old closer was back playing catch not long after going onto the IL. The week after this, he threw a couple of bullpen sessions.

The next step saw Romano make a rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday. He allowed two hits, but took just 14 pitches -- including 10 called strikes -- to complete a scoreless eighth inning.

Following the rehab assignment, the Markham, Ontario native is now back with the Blue Jays. As a result, the expectation is he will be activated on Tuesday, for the home series versus the Phillies.

Trevor Richards

Placed on the 15-day injured list on August 3, with neck inflammation.

The Blue Jays have one of the top bullpens in the Majors, with Trevor Richards being a vital cog in the machine. As such, losing him at such a crucial point of the season was unfortunate to say the least.

Richards has been having an excellent year, with him on course to set single-season career-bests in several categories. These include ERA (2.98), strikeout rate (36.9%) and FIP (3.74).

Given how important the 30-year-old is to the bullpen, the recent updates are extremely positive. Speaking to the media on Friday, Schneider said the reliever felt great after throwing a bullpen session earlier that day.

Unclear at this stage, there is a possibility the righty could require a quick rehab assignment. What we do know, is that he's eligible to be activated as early as August 17.

Wilner got the opportunity to speak to Richards on Sunday. He advised he will throw to hitters on Tuesday in Toronto, with the hope that he will be activated on Friday.

Chad Green

Placed in concussion protocol on August 9. Underwent Tommy John surgery June 3 last year.

Of all of the top players currently out through injury, Chad Green is the only unknown quantity. Having not actually played for the Blue Jays yet, it's more about going off his reputation and past success.

Green underwent Tommy John elbow surgery at the start of June last year, while still with the Yankees. However, the Blue Jays thought enough of him to agree a deal, despite the long recovery period associated with the specific surgery.

In this respect, the 2013 11th round draft pick has enjoyed a fine seven-year career in the Majors. In 272 games, he has recorded a 3.17 ERA, 3.29 FIP and 1.022 WHIP.

Green was placed on the 60-day IL at the end of March, to open up a spot on the 40-man roster. In terms of his recovery, he threw his first live bullpen session in June, at the Blue Jays' spring training facility.

July saw the 32-year-old's progress begin to ramp up, as he made rehab appearances for Low-A Dunedin and Single-A Dunedin respectively. At the beginning of August, he was assigned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Unfortunately for everyone concerned, Green suffered a setback on August 8. He was hit in the head during a Triple-A game, after a teammate attempted to throw out a runner at second base.

As a result, the righty was place in seven-day concussion protocol for precautionary reasons. The timing is obviously frustrating, with him being so close to a return to the Majors.

Schneider advised last Friday that Green has been doing some light cardio work. When he returns, his rehab clock will reset to 30 days.