ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar was kept out of the starting lineup on Friday night after he served a three-game suspension for wearing eye-black displaying an anti-gay slur written in Spanish during a game last weekend against Boston.

Escobar, who served the penalty during a three-game series against the New York Yankees, was eligible to return for Friday’s game at Tampa Bay, but wasn’t in manager John Farrell’s lineup.

Escobar had a pinch-hit single in the eighth inning.

“When we met earlier today it became increasing clear during that discussion that he needs another day to get back and be ready to play a major league game,” Farrell said. “He’s remorseful for what took place, and as a result he needs another day to get things in line.”