A freak accident has cost the Blue Jays the services of outfielder Michael Saunders likely until the all-star break.

Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos said the 28-year-old Canadian was shagging balls Wednesday at the club's training complex when he stepped on a sprinkler head indentation and injured his left knee.

Anthopoulos said Saunders will get a second opinion but likely requires surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

Saunders, who joined Toronto in an off-season trade with Seattle, is expected to be back playing in mid-July.

He had been pencilled in to start in left field.