The Toronto Blue Jays have placed left-hander J.P. Howell on the 10-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain.

The team has recalled RHP Dominic Leone from triple-A Buffalo to replace Howell in the bullpen.

 

 

It is unclear the extent of Howell's injury, but the 33-year-old has had shoulder problems in the past. In 2010 he underwent surgery to repair the labrum in his throwing shoulder.

The Blue Jays signed the lefty on Feb. 2 to a one-year contract and it has not been a smooth start to Howell's season. In two games the 11-year veteran is 0-1 with a 54.00 ERA and two walks in 0.1 innings pitched.

Leone pitched well for the Jays before being sent down to the Bisons just yesterday. In his lone appearance on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, the righty gave up a single run in 2.2 innings pitched, striking out three and walking one batter.

Aaron Loup will now be relied on as the Blue Jays' only left-handed reliever in the bullpen.