Robinzon Diaz was the odds-on choice to be brought up from Triple-A Syracuse in time for inter-league play. Not any more. General manager J.P. Ricciardi said Wednesday that Diaz sustained a high ankle sprain in a collision at home plate and is out for as much as three weeks.

“What are you going to do?” Ricciardi asked, shrugging.

It was a day for taking stock of injuries. Shortstop David Eckstein (strained hip flexor) had an MRI that came back negative and John McDonald (sprained right ankle) was off crutches, but Ricciardi said the organization would wait until Thursday to decide which – if either – shortstop would go on the 15-day disabled list. Journeyman Jorge Velandia was had his contract selected from Syracuse and Adam Lind, whose playing time had been curtailed, was optioned back to the Triple-A team.

Diaz's injury is a blow, because manager John Gibbons likes the idea of having three catchers in inter-league play. More to the point, with three left-handers scheduled to go for the Cleveland Indians this weekend Diaz's right-handed bat would have spelled off lefty-swinging Matt Stairs. The Blue Jays are now officially scouring the trade market for a right-handed hitter, according to sources.

THE LINEUPS

Tampa Bay Rays

Akinori Iwamura, 2B
Carl Crawford, LF
B.J. Upton, CF
Carlos Pena, 1B
Evan Longoria, 3B
Eric (The Man) Hinske, DH
Dioner Navarro, C
Gabe Gross, RF
Jason Bartlett, SS

P: Matt Garza

Toronto Blue Jays

Alex Rios, RF
Shannon Stewart, LF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Matt Stairs, DH
Vernon Wells, CF
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Aaron Hill, 2B
Rod Barajas, C
Marco Scutaro, SS

P: Shaun Marcum