Jose Reyes Injury: Blue Jays Shortstop Out 1-3 Months After Twisting Ankle

Jose Reyes could be out until mid-summer after the Toronto Blue Jays shortstop had a mishap on the basepath on Friday night.

Reyes was stealing a base in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals when he hesitated between sliding and coming in standing up. At the last second Reyes decided to slide, but his left ankle was caught and twisted beneath him as he came into the back.

He screamed out in pain and rolled in the infield dirt in obvious pain, pulling his jersey over his face as trainers rushed onto the field.

The outlook isn’t good for Reyes.

“The other scenario could be three months, or if something comes up we’re not expecting, it could be more than that,” Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said.

Jose Reyes was in a wheelchair after the game and headed for an MRI exam. Anthopoulos said it’s likely that he will end up on the disabled list for an extended period.

“You never want to see it, but at the same time, you’ve been through enough to know it’s going to happen over the course of the season,” Anthopoulos said. “If it’s good news, you’re looking at four weeks. The other scenario could be three months.”

The Blue Jays acquired Reyes in the offseason from the Miami Marlins, part of a busy period of pickups that included Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey. The Blue Jays are expected to contend for the AL East this season.

The loss of Reyes did come with a silver lining for the Blue Jays. They went on to defeat the Royals 8-4.

After the game, the All-Star shortstop had a bit more perspective on his injury.

“Sunny days wouldn’t be special if it wasn’t for rain,” Jose Reyes tweeted later that night. “Thank you guys for all the love and the prayers. I put everything is God’s hands.”