TAMPA, Fla. — The Toronto Blue Jays placed infielder Breyvic Valera on the COVID-related injured list on Wednesday and recalled infielder Kevin Smith from triple-A Buffalo.
The moves were announced shortly before the start of a matinee between the Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said the move was made after one of Valera's family members tested positive for COVID-19. Valera tested negative on Wednesday and will be out of action for at least a few more days, Montoyo added.
"We're going to keep him away for a little bit and keep testing him," Montoyo said during a pre-game media availability.
Valera, who has served as a backup infielder this season, has a .253 average with one homer and 15 RBIs in 36 games.
The Blue Jays entered play with a half-game lead on the New York Yankees in the battle for the second American League wild-card spot.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2021.
The Canadian Press