Blue Jays outfielder Brett Bateman injured on sliding catch

One of the Toronto Blue Jays ' brightest young players left with an injury on Monday.

Centrefielder Brett Bateman suffered an injury to his left leg while diving to make a catch in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles.

Bateman's left leg appeared to dig into the dirt as he dove for the ball and he immediately collapsed to the field in pain. He was able to walk off the field under his own power but with a visible limp. Manager John Schneider helped Bateman walk down the dugout stairs.

Bateman was acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the Kevin Gausman trade and he has been a major contributor since making his major league debut on Aug. 7. The 24-year-old was playing in his 38th game on Monday, most of them as the lead-off hitter and centre fielder, and has rewarded that trust by hitting .322/.393/.416 with an .809 OPS and two home runs.