Four years ago, Sergio Santos was a minor-league shortstop.

Two years ago, Santos burst upon the American League as a dominant relief pitcher.

Last year, Santos racked up 30 saves with the Chicago White Sox.

Last winter the White Sox, apparently going into heavy (or at least medium) rebuilding mode, traded Santos to the Blue Jays for hot pitching prospect Nestor Molina.

So Santos opened this season as the Jays' closer but hasn't been particularly sharp, giving up at least one run in three of his six outings. Now maybe we've got an explanation. From Vinnie Duber (via MLB.com):

Blue Jays closer Sergio Santos was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation, following the team's 9-5 win over the Royals on Saturday.

The injury occurred during the ninth inning of Friday's 4-3 win at Kauffman Stadium. Santos picked up the save, allowing one run to score, but felt some tightness, according to manager John Farrell.

"He didn't feel quite right in that save situation last night," Farrell said after Saturday's game. "And as the evening progressed, he felt more tightness throughout the night. He woke up [Saturday] morning with that inflammation kind of rearing its head."

So there you have it. No word yet on Santos's prognosis or timetable. In his absence, most of the save opportunities will be handled by Francisco Cordero. Which makes sense, if only because Cordero's got 327 career saves, including 37 last season with the Reds.