Brett Lawrie injury: Blue Jays third baseman injures oblique

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie left yesterday's Team Canada contest after he injured his side, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

Davidi notes that Lawrie experienced a "minor twinge" on his side and left after three innings of play. Team Canada's manager Ernie Whitt told reporters that the third baseman will be re-evaluated today.

The baseball injury term for side is oblique, and teams have grown to dread that word. Oblique injuries have caused players - including Lawrie just last season - to miss significant time. They are easily aggravated if you attempt to return to action too soon, so Team Canada figures to take a cautious approach with Lawrie.

Lawrie tore the cover off the ball after making his major league debut with the Blue Jays in 2011. Over 171 plate appearances the rookie hit .293/.373/.580 with eight doubles, four triples and nine home runs.

Unfortunately, 2012 wasn't as kind to Lawrie, due in part to his injury issues. The 23-year-old hit .273/.324/.405 with 26 doubles, three triples and 11 home runs over 536 plate appearances.

The former top prospect is expected to continue to play a significant role for Toronto's offense, so they'll be keeping a close eye on how Team Canada handles him. While he could miss some action in the World Baseball Classic, at this point there's nothing to suggest he won't be able to start the regular season healthy.