TORONTO -- Marco Estrada will not return as expected from the disabled list on Monday, and instead the veteran right-hander will make a rehab start for Double-A New Hampshire.
Blue Jays manager John Gibbons made the announcement during Sunday morning's availability with the local media. The club has yet to name a replacement starter, and it's possible it will use the bullpen to get through Monday's game against the Twins.
Estrada hasn't pitched since he left a start against the Red Sox on July 3 after 12 pitches because of a strained glute. He initially was expected to be shopped before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, but his latest injury likely will complicate any negotiations.
"He threw a side and he felt much better, but we figured where he's at, how long it's been, he's better off doing it down there," Gibbons said.
Estrada is tentatively scheduled to return from the DL at some point during Toronto's upcoming three-game series against the White Sox from July 27-29. The club's course of action likely depends on how deep into the game lefty J.A. Happ can pitch on Sunday afternoon.
"We don't know," Gibbons said when asked who would get the start. "It could be a bullpen day, depending on how the game goes today. We kept an extra pitcher here because of that." The Blue Jays also activated infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the 7-day concussion DL prior to Sunday's game against Baltimore. Infielder Richard Urena was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move.