Blue Jays’ Pillar strains oblique after sneezing

Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos and outfielder Kevin Pillar talk with the media following the news that the outfielder will sit out a week with a grade-one oblique strain.

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar is being sidelined — by a sneeze.

Pillar is expected to miss a week to 10 days with an oblique strain sustained while sneezing on Saturday morning.

Pillar, who is in contention for a starting spot, said he sneezed and felt a sharp pain in his right side, but opted not to tell team trainers about it until after he was pulled in the fifth inning of Toronto’s win over a Yankees split squad. Following treatment, Pillar was advised to rest.

He did not play Sunday.

"I don’t think this is a big deal," Pillar said. "It’s something I played with (Saturday) and something I was prepared with to play today. But they’re being very respectful about it and willing to give me a little bit of time."

Pillar is batting .269 with one home run and five RBIs in 26 plate appearances this spring.

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