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The veteran left-hander threw lightly in the outfield before batting practice Wednesday under the close supervision of head trainer George Poulis. At first he threw with his feet planted. After a brief discussion with Poulis, he made a few throws using his usual leg kick.

Cecil suffered the muscle tear in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series last Friday just before he tagged the Rangers’ Mike Napoli in a rundown between first and second base.

The injury was immediately declared season-ending. Cecil, arguably the Jays’ best reliever, was replaced on the ALDS roster by Ryan Tepera.

Under the rules, he must miss the American League Championship Series if the Jays get that far. But if they were to advance to the World Series, he would become eligible again.

“We’ve already had one pitcher do it,” Gibbons said during batting practice, referring to the improbable comeback of right-hander Marcus Stroman, who was set to start Game 5 of the ALDS.

Stroman had knee surgery after a freak accident during a spring training drill. He was expected to miss the entire season, but returned in September for four successful starts. He started Game 2 of the ALDS.

Cecil’s injury left a gaping hole in the Jays’ bullpen. His absence, and that of Aaron Loup, who is attending to an urgent family matter, leaves the team without a left-handed reliever for Game 5.