Blue Jays CF Wells expects to miss 2 weeks

[February 25, 2009]  DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) -- Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Vernon Wells expects to miss two weeks after an MRI showed he re-injured the left hamstring that kept him on the disabled list for a month late last season.

"I don't think it's that big of a deal," Wells said Tuesday. "It's something that if I needed to get through it now, I could. But this time of the year, it's just basically get healthy and get ready for the season."

Wells, who batted .300 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs in 108 games last year, injured his hamstring during drills Monday.

Wells said the worst-case scenario would limit him to starting as designated hitter when the regular season begins April 6 against the Detroit Tigers.

"Looking back at last year, that's what it was and that took four weeks," Wells said. "This time, having had that injury and knowing what's to be done, it shouldn't be that long. Hopefully, my swing will be back where it needs to be in a couple of weeks."

Wells missed 52 games because of injuries in 2008. He broke his left wrist making a sliding catch early in the season, then returned to the disabled list July 10 with a strained left hamstring.

A three-time Gold Glove winner, Wells spent the offseason working with a personal trainer, hoping to strengthen the hamstrings that have bothered him for years.

[Associated Press]

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