Blue Jays lose closer for four to six weeks

TORONTO -- Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan will miss four-to-six weeks with an elbow sprain and All-Star third baseman Troy Glaus will be placed on the disabled list today.

Left fielder Reed Johnson also opted for surgery to repair the herniated disc in his lower back. Johnson, who was placed on the disabled list Friday, will have the procedure done today in St. Petersburg, Fla., and will be out until July.

Johnson was batting .265 this season with a home run and seven RBIs.

The news on Ryan came as a relief, allaying team fears that his injury could be longer term.

Ryan was placed on the DL on Sunday after he blew two of his first five save chances.

Jason Frasor will be the closer in Ryan's absence.

But placing Glaus on the disabled list was a surprise. The Blue Jays hoped to have him back in the lineup today when they open a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox.

He has a bone spur in his left heel and a sore hamstring. There was no timeline given for his return.