Strained left oblique forces Davis out of game

BOSTON -- Blue Jays outfielder Rajai Davis was forced from Friday night's game against the Red Sox because of a strained left oblique muscle.

Davis, who started at designated hitter and led off for the Blue Jays, was lifted in the sixth inning for pinch-hitter Adam Lind. He had been experiencing some discomfort in the area since a recent series against the Rays and finally had to pull the plug.

"I felt something for a couple of days," Davis said. "I just felt like it was just little, that I could play through it.

"Just nagging. Just figure it's not progressing like I would want it to."

Davis will be evaluated again on Saturday, and it was not immediately clear if he will require a stint on the disabled list.

The 32-year-old Davis is hitting .281 with a homer and four RBIs in 26 games. He has split time between left field and designated hitter, starting frequently against left-handed pitching.