BALTIMORE -- Jose Bautista will travel to Charlotte, N.C., on Monday to undergo further tests on his injured left big toe. After that, the Blue Jays should be able to provide a timetable for his return.
Bautista was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday afternoon with a hyperextended toe. The Blue Jays seem confident he does not have a fracture, but further examinations are required before that can be known for sure.
The veteran slugger is expected to undergo a stress X-ray and possibly a CT scan to determine the exact nature of his injury. The tests also should be able to tell whether there is any damage to the ligaments in Bautista's left foot.
"He's going to see a foot-ankle specialist, Dr. Robert Anderson," Blue Jays trainer George Poulis said. "He's one of the team physicians for the Carolina Panthers. Sprained toe, unfortunately it was a weekend, otherwise he would have already seen him."
Bautista is not eligible to return until at least July 2. He is using a walking boot to mobilize his left foot and to make sure swelling in the area does not get any worse.
The 35-year-old is hitting .230 with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs in 65 games this season. Ezequiel Carrera has taken over the everyday duties in right field during his absence.
Cecil feeling good
Blue Jays left-hander Brett Cecil pitched in an intrasquad game at the club's Minor League complex on Saturday morning. If he feels good on Sunday, then the veteran reliever likely will be cleared to begin a rehab assignment in the near future.
Cecil has been out since May 14 because of a torn lat. He is 0-5 with a 5.23 ERA in 10 1/3 innings this season.
"He felt good," Poulis said. "We'll create a throwing program from here."