DETROIT -- Teoscar Hernandez's name can be added to the Blue Jays' list of the walking wounded after he was removed from Saturday afternoon's 7-4 loss to the Tigers at Comerica Park because of a foot injury.
Hernandez fouled a ball off his right foot during the third inning, and although he was able to finish the at-bat, the 25-year-old did not return for the bottom half of the frame. Preliminary X-rays were negative, and for now, he has been diagnosed with a contusion that impacts the two biggest toes on his left foot.
"When I fouled it off, I didn't feel the first two toes," Hernandez said of the at-bat that ended with a fly ball to left. "I tried to take my time and tried to get the feeling back. It didn't. I tried to stay in my at-bat, tried to fight it, tried to do something for the team, because I knew I couldn't do any more. I couldn't stay in the game anymore."
Hernandez's foot was heavily wrapped in ice following the game and he was noticeably limping down the hallway on his way to speak with reporters. He also appeared to be experiencing significant pain, but for now, Hernandez is considered day to day and he is trying to remain optimistic that this will not turn into a long-term injury.
Hernandez was replaced in left field by veteran Curtis Granderson in the bottom half of the third. If Hernandez has to miss an extended period of time, then Randal Grichuk could receive a lot more playing time in the outfield.
Hernandez was 0-for-2 in his two at-bats on Saturday afternoon. He is batting .254 with eight home runs and 24 RBIs in 42 games this season.
"Deep, deep bruise," Hernandez said. "But it's going to be fine. It's nothing serious. Nothing that's going to take too long ... Top of my toes. I got a couple of cuts in there. Like I say, it's nothing serious. Nothing to worry about."