Blue Jays' Yates likely needs Tommy John, Springer has oblique strain

The injury bug has hit the Toronto Blue Jays hard in the waning days of spring training.

Former All-Star reliever Kirby Yates is likely to need Tommy John surgery, general manager Ross Atkins announced, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. It'll be his second time undergoing the procedure.

"Still very fresh with the information. But that's the most likely outcome," Atkins said, per Zwelling.

Yates, who pitched in only six games for the San Diego Padres last season due to elbow issues, was diagnosed with a flexor-pronator strain on Monday. A second opinion and subsequent MRI revealed further damage necessitating the surgery.

Yates' elbow issues were well-known, as he failed physicals with both the Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves this offseason, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports. Atlanta had a deal in place with Yates but backed out after his physical.

Toronto's initial agreement with Yates was for $8.5 million with $1.5 million in bonuses, according to Rosenthal. After seeing his physical, the Blue Jays amended the offer to $5.5 million with $4.5 million in incentives.

Meanwhile, outfielder George Springer is dealing with a Grade 2 oblique strain that will keep him off the field for at least four-to-five days, Atkins said, per Zwelling.

Springer, the Blue Jays' prized offseason acquisition, won't play "for the next few days," Atkins said. His status for Opening Day will not be known until later in the week.

Finally, left-hander Robbie Ray will miss at least one spring start after suffering a bruised elbow when he slipped on some stairs while carrying his child, according to TSN's Scott Mitchell. Ray will miss his next Grapefruit League outing, but the Blue Jays are hopeful he'll be ready to make his regular-season debut as scheduled next weekend against the New York Yankees. His child was not hurt, according to Zwelling.

There was a small amount of good news coming out of Dunedin on Tuesday, as right-handers Nate Pearson and Thomas Hatch are both progressing in their recoveries from their respective injuries.

Pearson, who sustained a groin strain earlier this spring, could begin throwing bullpens again within the next few days, Atkins said. Hatch has been dealing with elbow inflammation, and the team is hopeful he won't miss significant time.