TORONTO – The absence of Jose Reyes from manager John Gibbons lineup is forcing the skipper to do some less than desirable juggling. The star shortstops injury has been mitigated, somewhat, by the surprising offensive contribution of his replacement, Jonathan Diaz, but the bottom of the order remains subpar in an offence heavy division. Then theres the number two spot in the order, vacated by Melky Cabrera, whos moved into Reyes leadoff role. Colby Rasmus has occupied the bridge to Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion since Tuesday night in Tampa Bay. Hes off to a slow start this season with just two hits in 22 at-bats (.090), striking out at a 40 per cent clip (10 times in 25 plate appearances). The sample sizes are small and the Blue Jays believe Reyes will return on April 16, the day hes eligible to come off the disabled list, or soon after. Still, manager John Gibbons has considered something he did last year for part of the time Reyes was down, bumping up Bautista and Encarnacion in the lineup. "We thought about it," said Gibbons. "Right now we want to kind of split the lefties up as much as possible, as far apart as we can. Colbys had some success in that two-hole in the past. Right now, the way hes swinging its not ideal but, like I said, I think hes close." For his career, Rasmus has struck out in 24.2 per cent of his plate appearances. Thats not an ideal number for a top of the order guy and its why the Blue Jays, when healthy, dont use him there. "Hes going to strike out," said Gibbons. "Thats the kind of player he is. Hes going to have some strikeouts. But I think hes real close." "I dont ever like living with strikeouts," said hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, who says he speaks to Rasmus daily. "I think theres a way to patch things up, patch up holes and get yourself into a position with a mindset and an approach to where it gives you a better chance to barrel it up and not be vulnerable in certain counts, certain pitches, certain locations." It may surprise you to learn Rasmus has played more games batting second, 239 times in his career, than in any other spot in the order. It isnt close, either. Hes hit fifth 138 times, his second-most frequent spot in the order. Rasmus former manager, Tony La Russa, often hit him second. Those two are linked for their infamous falling out, although that wasnt related to Rasmus spot in the lineup. Seitzer is working with him on an adjustment related to where Rasmus hands start when the pitcher comes set. Previously, Rasmus had been starting his hands away from his body, effectively out and over the plate. He now starts with his hands closer to his body. "Hes not comfortable with it because its new," said Seitzer. "He hit all winter and all spring and I kind of had to let him go with his thing, getting to know him and getting used to him and then seeing what happens once the season starts. Were working on making adjustments. Hes just got to get himself in good position to give himself the best chance." The hitting coach wants the player to see the adjustment through. "I dont care where guys start their hands as long as they get to their launch position in time, on time, every time. Thats the only chance you have to hit big league pitching," said Seitzer. HAPPS REHAB START J.A. Happ was scheduled to make a rehab start for the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays on Saturday evening, weather permitting. Happ is on the disabled list, back dated to March 26 so hes eligible to return on April 10, with back inflammation thats plagued him since early in spring training. ROSTER MOVE The Blue Jays designated right-hander Jeremy Jeffress for assignment after Friday nights game. The intention was to recall Chad Jenkins from Triple-A Buffalo. In fact, the Bisons had issued a press release to that effect. Turns out Jenkins isnt eligible to join the Blue Jays until April 10 because, as a player optioned to the minor leagues, hes required to spend 10 regular season days in the minors. In Jenkins place is Marcus Walden, whose contract was purchased and the player added to the 40-man roster. Walden, a 25-year-old right-hander, was a ninth round selection of the Blue Jays in the 2007 draft. To be clear on the option rule: there is an exception to the 10-day window for players recalled due to injury. Erik Kratz is an example. He was recalled when J.A. Happ was placed on the disabled list. Troy Apke Jersey . Hernandez (3-0) struck out 11 and shut down Oakland for the second time in a week, becoming the first Mariners pitcher to win three times in the first nine games of a season. With the usual "Kings Court" for Hernandez home starts expanded to a "Supreme Court" encompassing the entire stadium with yellow shirts and "K" cards, Hernandez gave up four hits in the 28th double-digit strikeout game of his career. Pernell McPhee Jersey . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers (4) – He had a strong game Sunday; was very good in tight with big saves on Crosby, Malkin and Neal in-crease. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redsk...hardson-Jersey/. -- Kevin Harvick pulled away on a restart with 47 laps to go and ended Chase Elliotts two-race winning streak in NASCARs Nationwide Series with a dominating victory early Saturday at Richmond International Raceway. Alex Smith Jersey . "I could have been equipment manager but nooooo" from Lisa on Ice. Season 6, Episode 8. Pernell McPhee Redskins Jersey . -- Having already fallen behind because of the NFL lockout, Blaine Gabbert couldnt afford a lengthy holdout.1. JORDAN CRAWFORD (Warriors): The Golden State Warriors have reportedly acquired guards Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks from the Boston Celtics Wednesday as part of a three-team trade. Golden State is sending guard Toney Douglas to the third team in the trade, the Miami Heat, who will ship center Joel Anthony to the Celtics, according to multiple sources. Crawford has done a nice job in Boston with his play-making. Led the Celtics with close to six assists per game and scoring close to 14 ppg. Things didnt work out with the Wizards and GM Danny Ainge gave him a shot and hes an improved player. Still forces a few too many shots for my taste, yet when I watch him I see a guard that starting to figure things out gradually. 2. KYLE LOWRY & DEMAR DEROZAN (Raptors): Lots of discussion of late about the all-star game. I wont lie - Im bias. I see these guys perform all the time and have watched their improvement; maturity and games evolve and would be thrilled if both made it. Theyve been a huge part of the turnaround and winning players deserve recognition. It will likely be tough for both to make it, yet if the Raptors can continue to win games (and that really helps open eyes of coaches when they pick the reserves), their chances increase. Keep it going and make it a tough decision for folks by leading your team to victories. 3. OKC THUNDER (5-4 without Russell Westbrook): Kevin Durant has been nothing short of brilliant trying to keep his team afloat. Hes even said that hes shooting too much. Theyve become a very predictable and defendable team without the dynamic point guard which is no big surprise.dddddddddddd You lose a guy of that caliber and youre going to struggle. Does GM Sam Presti sit tight and wait this turbulence out or do they try to make a move to help this teams scoring punch? Dont want to be in a position that youre without home court advantage in the second round in the very difficult Western Conference playoffs. Some deep thinking and soul searching for them as they ponder winning now vs. internal growth and patience. Good test. 4. GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO (Bucks): Caught him in person for the second time on Monday night in Toronto. He fascinates me. Only 19-years old. Milwaukee took a flyer on him in the first round and Ive gotta tell you, I see why. Its not about now but when hes 22-23 years old and the game starts to come naturally to him and he figures it all out. Obviously, he needs major upgrades with his strength and stamina and that will come. Hes long, athletic and has decent skills. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on the next few years as he matures. 5. MARCO BELINELLI (Spurs): Having a wonderful year shooting the ball at 50 per cent from three-point range (tops in the NBA). Great system for him to play in and hes always been a guy that I liked since his days in Golden State. Good passer and better defender than he looks. Hes tough and loves to compete. His short stint was a major disappointment in Toronto due to injuries and conditioning but in Chicago and now San Antonio hes gotten it together. Its amazing - the Spurs always come up with guys that make complete sense to their philosophy. He fits. 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