MESA, Ariz. -- D-backs left fielder Yasmany Tomas had an MRI taken Wednesday that revealed an oblique strain that will keep him out of the lineup for an indefinite period of time.
"There's a very, very small oblique strain, so he'll be out for several days until we can reassess it and get him to where he needs to get to, you know, back to a return-to-play program," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. "I don't have a timeline on that."
Tomas has been out of action since March 6, with what the club initially said was a lower back issue.
"He was having some pain and he didn't know exactly where it was coming from," Lovullo said. "We were able to finalize where it was, the MRI showed exactly what was happening."
Lovullo was asked if the injury could mean that Tomas will have to open the regular season on the disabled list.
"I haven't worked it backwards," Lovullo said. "I haven't yet got to that point in my mind. I don't know yet. I hope not."
If it does keep Tomas off the Opening Day roster, that could open the door for Jeremy Hazelbaker to make the team and for Gregor Blanco to get more playing time. As of right now, though, Lovullo said that Chris Owings is not a candidate for the spot.
"He's still in competition as our everyday shortstop, so we're not going to take that away from him," Lovullo said. "With a little sprinkle of right field every now and then, but he's going to compete as our everyday shortstop."
Tomas was 0-for-17 before the injury.