TORONTO - Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista suffered a right ankle injury while sliding into third base in Toronto's 16-7 victory over the New York Yankees on Thursday night.
X-rays were negative and he will be re-evaluated Friday morning. Jays manager John Farrell said Bautista will likely undergo an MRI exam and is listed as day to day.
Bautista suffered the injury in the fourth inning as his outstretched right leg was about to touch the bag. He immediately clutched his ankle and was in obvious pain.
"When he slid into third, he caught a spike in the dirt and that's where he turned (the ankle)," Farrell said.
On the play, Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion grounded out to Yankees infielder Eduardo Nunez, who touched third base to get a force out on Bautista before throwing to first base to complete the double play. Nunez did not appear to make contact with Bautista.
The Jays third baseman stayed on the ground for about 30 seconds as he was tended to by a team trainer. Bautista eventually stood up and gingerly walked back to the dugout.
"Hopefully this isn't a prolonged situation where he's going to miss any length of time," Farrell said.
Bautista, who was replaced in the lineup by John McDonald, needed treatment after the game and was not available for comment.
"You never want to see anybody get hurt, especially our leader in Jose," said catcher J.P. Arencibia. "I didn't get to see what happened, I just saw him in pain on the (turf). He's a fighter and he'll be back as soon as possible."
Bautista is having an MVP-calibre season. He leads the major leagues with 31 home runs, has knocked in 65 runs and batted cleanup for the American League at this week's all-star game. He went 1-for-2 on Thursday night to boost his average to .336.
Bautista signed a US$65-million, five-year contract extension with the Blue Jays in the off-season.
