TORONTO -- Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada received multiple cortisone shots into his lower back on Monday morning, but he still hopes to make a start later this week.
Estrada underwent an MRI on Sunday, which revealed a similar level of inflammation that was present during Spring Training. A major injury has been ruled out, but his exact status for Thursday's game vs. Detroit won't be known until later this week.
The 32-year-old veteran has been trying to pitch through back pain since the middle of June. The discomfort became more severe during Saturday's 9-6 win against the Indians when Estrada experienced a drop in velocity, and at times, it seemed like he could barely move on the mound.