TORONTO – A torn left calf muscle was supposed to end Brett Cecil’s season, but the dominant Toronto Blue Jays reliever isn’t giving up on a return just yet.

Cecil briefly played catch Wednesday before the 6-3, Game 5 victory over the Texas Rangers that sent his team to the American League Championship Series, and is eyeing a possible return in the World Series, should the Blue Jays make it there.

At this point, given the normal healing time needed for such an injury, it’s a longshot, although the left-hander isn’t looking at things that way.

"Absolutely," he said when asked if there was a chance he’d be back. "I told the trainers in Texas, I’m going to pitch in the World Series. … These guys are more than good enough to make it to that point, and I’m going to do everything I can to be ready for it."

Cecil tore his calf in Game 2 while tagging out Mike Napoli during a rundown, a devastating loss for a bullpen in which he’s not only the primary lefty, but also a crucial set-up man. That left Aaron Loup as the club’s only southpaw, and he’s missed the past two games tending to a family matter.

Apart from throwing, Cecil has started doing calf raises as well.

"I’m keeping my fingers crossed," said pitching coach Pete Walker. "Maybe it’s putting the cart before the horse a little bit, but he’s walking, he’s moving around, he’s keeping his arm loose, so there’s a chance."