Blue Jays' Merryweather Suffers Setback in Oblique Rehab

Manager Charlie Montoyo said Julian Merryweather had to be shut down, but is now back to playing catch as he rehabs his injury.

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The wait continues.

Blue Jays reliever Julian Merryweather recently suffered a setback while rehabbing his oblique injury, manager Charlie Montoyo said Wednesday. 

"He felt something so we stopped him from throwing," Montoyo said.

Merryweather was shut down for "a couple of days," per Montoyo, but is back to playing catch and throwing long toss. A rehab stint isn't imminent, Montoyo says. 

"He hasn't progressed as much as we want him to, so we're going slowly with him," Montoyo said.  

The right-hander showed great stuff in 4.1 innings this year, allowing just one hit and striking out seven batters while reaching 100 miles-per-hour with his fastball. The news of a setback is disappointing for a Blue Jays team that could really use a power arm like his in a high-leverage role down the stretch. 

Julian Merryweather, 100mph, 100mph & 99mph 🔥⛽️ pic.twitter.com/TyvvvwdLp2

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 4, 2021

Merryweather — who the Blue Jays acquired for Josh Donaldson in 2018 — last pitched on April 13. He remains on the 60-day injured list.