Jose Reyes was smiling again Monday.
Reyes found out that his left ankle injury was a little less serious than first feared and was told by doctors that he might be able to return in about eight weeks. The Blue Jays originally estimated that their shortstop would miss three months, and general manager Alex Anthopoulos took the conservative path by telling reporters Monday afternoon in Toronto that the organization will stick with its estimate.
Anthopoulos did confirm that Reyes had visited a specialist in North Carolina, and that the team is now confident that Reyes won't need surgery. He said that Reyes would be in a cast for two weeks, and then in a walking boot for two weeks after that.
Reyes was understandably excited about the news, tweeting a picture of himself as he got ready to return to Toronto. A source familiar with Reyes' condition said later that Monday's diagnosis was a little more encouraging than the initial one, and that doctors had given Reyes the eight-week timetable.
The Blue Jays split their first two games without Reyes atop their lineup, but they scored just five runs in the two games combined. Anthopoulos has said that he will try to acquire a shortstop from outside the organization. Munenori Kawasaki, who was called up from Triple-A Buffalo, played shortstop in Reyes' place on Saturday and Sunday in Kansas City.
The Jays also responded to Reyes' injury by having Brett Lawrie work at second base during his minor-league rehabilitation assignment. Lawrie is the Blue Jays' regular third baseman, but after Reyes' injury the Jays moved Jose Bautista from right field to third base.
Reyes hurt his ankle on an awkward slide into second base on Friday night in Kansas City. Video showed him in tears after the injury.
By Monday, Reyes' smile had returned.
