It took all of one at-bat to bring back that sinking feeling.

Shortstop Jose Reyes didn't even make it to first base before pulling up lame with that same balky hamstring that troubled him in spring training.

The TV crews didn't notice it but when the defensive replacement was announced at the bottom of the first inning, all those fears came rushing back.

Just like that, the premise that the Blue Jays couldn't possibly be as injury-ridden as a season ago melted away.

Moreover, R.A. Dickey's performance was also eerily similar to last year. The only difference was that a year ago, he handled the Rays with ease. There was no open air to disturb his knuckleball. No J.P. Arencibia to let passed balls hit the screen behind home plate while runners danced along the bases.

The season-opening 9-2 loss to the Rays in Tampa was a sobering reminder that this season already looks a lot like last season. They were dominated by a front-line pitcher in David Price, and their ace was in turn abused by a solid-hitting team.

Can they bounce back?

One man does not make a team but Reyes means so much that his loss can not be understated.

When healthy, and so far that has been not quite 80 games, Reyes has proven to be the team's most valuable player. Offensively, he's the table setter, the disruptor, the game changer. A faster version of Robbie Alomar but with a little less pop.

Defensively, he's the heart of the unit, an above average fielder at a most premium position. Great glove, great range, fantastic arm. He's the proverbial five-tool player.

And losing him cuts the Jays both ways because they don't have anyone who can match his offensive or defensive skills.

Moving Ryan Goins to shortstop creates a hole defensively in what was going to be a superior unit. Maicer Izturis simply can't cover as much ground at second base.

Last season, Reyes was injured two weeks into the season. As a result, everyone moved up a spot in the batting lineup. Melky Cabrera batted leadoff, Jose Bautista second, Edwin Encarnacion third, and so on.

It took the team's speed out of the equation and it became a plodding unit that needed the long ball to produce runs. 
 The question now is how long will Reyes be out and can the club survive his absence. The Jays placed Reyes on the disabled list Monday night and face a division-heavy schedule in the first month of the season.

It means the pitching will have to be that much better and the hitters need to grind out better at-bats. Neither of which was accomplished on Monday night.