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.

Bo Bichette

Placed on the 10-day IL on August 2 but retroactive to August 1, with right knee patellar tendinitis.

When Bo Bichette injured himself versus the Orioles, there was plenty of initial concern. He was in obvious distress as he pulled up after rounding first base, and was forced to leave the game.

When an update came the following day, it wasn't as bad as first feared. However, it wasn't great either, as it was revealed Bichette had no significant structural damage.

In other words, while the two-time All-Star was placed on the 10-day IL, his absence was likely to extend past this initial time period. And so this has proved to be.

An encouraging update last Tuesday advised Bichette was moving around with hardly any symptoms during a workout. As per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, a couple of days after this he was hitting in the cage at Rogers Centre and jogging, albeit not running full-tilt yet.

As much as all of this represents steps in the right direction, a projected return date is still unclear for the 25-year-old. More clarity will come when he starts running properly.

In this respect, the Toronto Star's Mike Wilner spoke to Bichette on Sunday, with the shortstop advising he feels like he's ahead of schedule. At the same time though, he admitted he's still taking it easy on changes of direction while running.

It's a delicate balancing act between being cautious with Bichette, and getting his bat back in the lineup as soon as feasible. While Paul DeJong is a decent replacement, his strength is defense rather than offense.

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.