Brett Lawrie sits as Blue Jays try to avoid sweep

The Toronto Blue Jays will not have Brett Lawrie available when they attempt to stave off a sweep Thursday night against the New York Yankees here at Yankee Stadium.

The third baseman's left hand is still too sore after getting hit by a pitch during Wednesday's 7-3 setback to New York for him to be able to properly grip and swing a bat and will need another day or so.

Toronto manager John Gibbons said the team is hopeful that Lawrie will be able to avoid a stint on the disabled list and should be back in the Toronto lineup at some point this coming weekend in Cincinnati where the Blue Jays will be playing the Reds.

The Blue Jays, looking to end a 15-game losing streak to New York at Yankee Stadium when they take the field Thursday, will start Juan Francisco at third base with Steve Tolleson getting the call at second.

Toronto slugger Jose Bautista celebrated a milestone during the loss on Wednesday when he picked up his 1,000 career hit, going to opposite way to right field for a double in the eighth inning that scored Toronto's final run.

Bautista said the mark is a good symbol of the extended success and perseverance that he has exhibited during his career.

"The amount of time that I've managed to stay around and get opportunities and finally start playing good, all that stuff matters," he said.