The Toronto Blue Jays' big-money addition to the lineup is beginning the season on the shelf.
Outfielder George Springer was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday to start the season.
Manager Charlie Montoyo had said Wednesday that Springer has a Grade 2 oblique strain and added that Springer's most recent MRI showed improvement and he was expected back "as soon as possible."
Springer was scratched from a game on March 9 because of tightness in his abdominal muscles and did not play in any exhibitions after March 21. The 31-year-old Springer hit .240 with one homer and two RBIs in 25 at-bats over 10 spring training games.
The Blue Jays added Springer in free agency, signing him to a six-year, $150 million contract this offseason. The 2017 World Series MVP played his first seven seasons with the Houston Astros.
Left-hander Robbie Ray also was placed on the injured list. He will miss two starts because of a bruised elbow.
The Blue Jays begin the 2021 season on Thursday against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Infielder Joe Panik was put on the team's major league roster ahead of the opener, one of a dozen roster moves that included the IL moves with Springer and Ray.
Right-handers Kirby Yates (recovering from right elbow surgery), Thomas Hatch (right elbow impingement) and Nate Pearson (right adductor strain) also were placed on the 10-day injured list. All the IL moves were retroactive to Monday.
Toronto selected left-hander Tim Mayza to the major league roster, and he could make his first major league appearance since 2019. Right-hander Joel Payamps was recalled from the alternate training site, and left-handers Travis Bergen and Anthony Kay were optioned to the alternate training site. Infielder Breyvic Valera and catcher Reese McGuire were designated for assignment.
ESPN's Marly Rivera and The Associated Press contributed to this report.