Blue Jays' Pearson dealing with lat strain, no timetable for return

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Nate Pearson suffered a right lat strain during a recent rehab appearance, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling.

There's no immediate timeline for his return.

Pearson threw just two pitches Sunday before being removed from his Triple-A outing with what was originally diagnosed as a sore right shoulder.

The 25-year-old has been a top Blue Jays pitching prospect for several years but has struggled to stay healthy since arriving in the majors two years ago. He's yet to pitch for Toronto this season after coming down with mononucleosis in the spring. The Blue Jays were hoping Pearson and his blazing fastball would become a key part of their pitching staff this season, either in the rotation or the bullpen.

Pearson's latest injury is another blow to Toronto's pitching staff, which has seen much of its depth lost to the IL. Left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu is out for the season following Tommy John surgery, forcing swingman Ross Stripling into the rotation permanently. Four other relievers are currently on the IL, and right-hander Yimi Garcia's availability for Friday's game is in question due to lower back inflammation, according to Zwelling.