Belt (back) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, but manager John Schneider didn't rule out Belt being available as a pinch hitter, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Given that back troubles are nothing new for Belt, the Blue Jays will most likely stay away from him if they can help it. The 35-year-old is optimistic that he'll be able to avoid the 10-day injured list and return to the lineup in short order, and he should benefit from the Blue Jays having off Thursday before opening a three-game series in Colorado on Friday.

Belt told Hazel Mae of Sportsnet on Wednesday that his back injury is "not going to keep me out for a long time."

EDGE Analysis

Belt had been set to enter mid-game in Tuesday's loss to the Nationals, but he noted that his back locked up on him after he took some swings. The veteran said he's dealt with back problems in the past and thus knows how to manage them. Belt may receive another day off or two to move past the issue, but the 35-year-old seems confident that he'll be able to avoid the injured list.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Belt wasn't available Tuesday against Washington after experiencing lower back spasms, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Belt was left out of the Jays' lineup Tuesday due to left-hander MacKenzie Gore serving as Washington's starter, but back spasms prevented him from entering as a pinch hitter/runner. Belt's status for Wednesday's contest is unclear, but an update on his status will presumably come before the game.

Belt will sit against lefty Logan Allen and the Guardians on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Belt has started against just five southpaws all season, so it's no surprise to see him hit the bench here. Bo Bichette will rest his legs as the designated hitter, with Santiago Espinal starting at shortstop.

Belt went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's loss to Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

Belt now has four homers in his last four games. Since the start of August, he's gone 20-for-63 (.317) with seven long balls and a 1.148 OPS. Overall, it's been an impressive bounce-back campaign from the veteran first-baseman in his first year with Toronto. Belt's now slashing .256/.372/.478 with 15 homers, 46 runs scored and 37 RBI across 360 plate appearances.

Belt went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's 6-3 victory over the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Belt led off the 10th inning with a two-run shot off Mike Baumann, putting the Blue Jays ahead 5-3 in an eventual three-run win. The homer was Belt's third in his last two games. Since the start of August, he's batting .321 (18-for-56) with six home runs and a 1.155 OPS across 16 games. Overall, Belt's slash line is up to a solid .255/.372/.473 with 14 homers, 45 runs scored and 36 RBI in 352 plate appearances this season.

Belt went 2-for-5 with two homers, three RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Belt blasted a two-run home run in the third inning off Reds starter Hunter Greene, then got to him again by belting a solo shot in the fourth. It was the second multi-homer game of the season for Belt, who's up to 13 home runs in his inaugural season with the Blue Jays. Following a slow start in the power department, the long-time former Giant now has nine dingers since the calendar flipped to July.

Belt will sit Saturday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Belt will hit the bench with a lefty (Brandon Williamson) on the mound for the opposition. He has just 32 plate appearances against southpaws this year, making just five starts. Davis Schneider will serve as the designated hitter.

Belt will sit Saturday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs are sending out lefty Justin Steele, so it's no surprise to see Belt hit the bench. He's started just five times against a southpaw all season. George Springer will rest his legs as the designated hitter Saturday, with Cavan Biggio stepping into Springer's usual spot in right field.

Belt went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 6-2 loss to the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

His eighth-inning shot off Michael Fulmer was too little, too late for Toronto. Belt has hit safely in six straight games and eight of nine to begin August, batting .353 (12-for-34) on the month with three of his 11 homers on the season along with four doubles, five RBI and nine runs.