Outfielder Teoscar Hernández, one of the hottest hitters on the Blue Jays, wasn’t in Sunday’s lineup against the Red Sox because he is experiencing stiffness in his left rib cage. He went through an MRI on Sunday morning, but the results were inconclusive as the rib cage area was still swollen.

Hernández played the entire game on Saturday night and went 3-for-5 with one homer and two RBIs in a 9-8 loss to the Red Sox. According to Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo, Hernández hurt the rib cage in his last at-bat when he struck out on a changeup in the dirt. But he didn’t say a word until after the game ended.

“That’s going to be a big loss if he has to go out a while,” Montoyo said. “It’s rib soreness right now. He is going through all the tests. But he might have to get another MRI. So we’ll see where he is tomorrow.”

The Blue Jays are hoping the injury is not long term because Hernández is having a breakout season, leading Toronto in homers (14), RBIs (27) and batting average (.308).

With Hernández out, Derek Fisher got the start in right field and went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in Toronto's 10-8 victory in Sunday's finale. Entering Monday’s action against the Yankees, Fisher is 6-for-24 with four RBIs.

Other injury news
Right-hander Nate Pearson, who is on the injured list with a flexor strain, had a great bullpen session on Saturday. He threw 26 pitches without any problems and pitching coach Peter Walker said Pearson's arm is feeling great. Any inflammation in the arm is gone, according to Walker.

“He is excited where he is right now,” Walker said. “We expect him to be back sometime soon. He looked very strong, to be honest with you. I thought the ball was coming out great. We do have a little bit of a plan. Not that it’s day to day. It’s not in stone. He is progressing very nicely.”

Walker said right-hander Matt Shoemaker (right shoulder inflammation) is coming along quicker than expected. He was throwing 120 feet on flat ground and letting the ball go. Shoemaker should be on the mound in the next couple of days.

Right-hander Ken Giles (right forearm strain) is showing progress. In fact, Walker liked the way the ball was coming out of Giles’ hand during a live bullpen session. Giles is expected to have one more session before the team makes a decision on his Major League future.

“Even though the hitters put a couple of barrels on some balls, I think [Giles’] pitches had life. The slider was regaining its form. Afterward, Giles felt really good. We are going to do it again,” Walker said.