A. Rios Leaves Hospital

[x_Momentum]

Alright, so I just found out that Alex Rios was released from the Hospital and I was wondering if you guys had any idea when he might return to the lineup.

[The Big Train]

Riccardi suggested after the all-star break against Seattle, but that appears to be a bit optimistic right now. The infection hasn't gone away completely. Article below...

KANSAS CITY -- It took a little longer than the Blue Jays expected, but it was good news nonetheless. Alex Rios was released from Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto on Friday after being sidelined for more than a week with a staph infection in his left leg.
"Alex was released from the hospital," Toronto bench coach Ernie Whitt said. "He is walking -- on crutches, but the crutches were just helping him a bit. He seems to be OK."

George Poulis, Toronto's head trainer, said that Rios would probably use the crutches for a couple more days. He said that Rios, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday, still didn't have enough strength to walk on his own and there wasn't a set timetable on the right fielder's return.

While in the hospital, where he was admitted on June 29, Rios did light physical therapy -- mainly range-of-motion activities with his legs. Poulis said that Rios is able to ride on a stationary bike, but wasn't sure when the 25-year-old, who has lost about 10 pounds since the injury occurred, would be able to begin running again.

"That's the million dollar question," Poulis said. "Everyone's asking me that."

The Jays will be extra cautious with Rios because they don't want to risk spreading the infection to another part of his body. If the bacteria aren't completely gone and Rios were to perform intense exercises, the staph infection could spread. Rios was given antibiotics through an IV in the hospital and is now taking medication orally to fight the infection.

The injury originated from a pitch that Rios fouled off his left shin, above his ankle, on June 27 against Washington. The ball most likely broke the skin, allowing bacteria to produce the infection. When Rios arrived at Rogers Centre on June 29, the bruised area of his leg had reddened significantly and that's when the Blue Jays sent him to the hospital for further treatment.

Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said last week that he expected Rios to be ready to rejoin the Blue Jays for their series against the Mariners following the All-Star break. With no indication as to when Rios might be back at full strength, though, it appears Rios may be sidelined even longer.

Rios, who is hitting .330 with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs, won't miss the All-Star Game on Tuesday in Pittsburgh, though. The outfielder was voted onto the American League team for the first time in his career by the players and plans to attend, even though he won't be able to participate. Texas outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. was named as Rios' replacement.

"He's on the road to recovery," Whitt said. "Now it's just a healing process."

[sportsguy138]

the guys been soo great this year.. the jays are really missing his bat (especially right now) in the line up.. and so is my fantasy team

[Ursa]

the guys been soo great this year.. the jays are really missing his bat (especially right now) in the line up.. and so is my fantasy team

Amen to that. His injury has been coincident with a slump of both the Jays and my bats. Rios replacements don't grow on trees.

[TN_Titans_05]

By the sounds of things I wouldnt be suprised if we dont end up using him in our fantasy lineups till late this month.

[x_Momentum]

Yikes, I really hope he returns to the lineup soon because V. Well and A. Rios together makes a great offensive Package because they back up eachother. Plus, now with Rios gone, the blue jays offense is slowing down and B.J. Ryan isn`t getting save opporunities anymore.

[sox 06]

Jul 11 Mark Bowman, of Toronto.BlueJays.MLB.com, reports Toronto Blue Jays OF Alex Rios (staph infection) was in Pittsburgh for the All-Star festivities Monday, July 10, although he will not participate in the game. On when he will return from his injury, Rios will not know what the timetable is until he can walk without a limp, however, he is expected to be out for at least two more weeks.

From Yahoo

[Simply Dangerous]

I picked up Reed Johnson to replace Rios and has done very well for me, but looking forward to getting Rios back ASAP. I've got him in a keeper and he will be good for a long time. He's for real.

[Mreater71]

I also have him in a league and I am really missing his numbers that he produced. I also heard that it will be about two more weeks until he's ready

[TN_Titans_05]

Jul 14 The Associated Press reports Toronto Blue Jays OF Alex Rios (infection) will miss at least another 10 days with an infection in his lower left leg.