Second opinion confirms Reyes' injury time frame

TORONTO -- Jose Reyes was in North Carolina on Monday to get a second opinion on his sprained left ankle and the results were mostly positive.

The ankle specialist confirmed the original diagnosis by the Kansas City doctors, meaning the shortstop will miss the next three months with his injury.

"We expect [him back] around the All-Star break," Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said prior to Monday's game against the White Sox.

The good news for the Blue Jays is that Reyes will not require surgery, and his recovery will consist of a healthy dose of rest and rehab.

Reyes will spend the next two weeks in a cast, the following two weeks in a boot, and then will slowly graduate into resuming baseball activities.

"It's like Spring Training all over again. I think three months is fair," Anthopoulos said.

The confirmed results from North Carolina were contrary to a report that surfaced earlier Monday about Reyes being able to return within eight weeks. Anthopoulos seemingly ruled out any thought of a return that quickly, but he did say Reyes could maybe return a week ahead of the initial timetable.

In the meantime, the Blue Jays are comfortable utilizing Munenori Kawasaki, Emilio Bonifacio and Maicer Izturiz up the middle on defense.