Reyes said the team told him Thursday he'll be on the DL because he's had so little practice in spring training. He returned to camp last week following a three-week absence because of thyroid issues.
"I want to be there on opening day, there's no doubt, but we have to make the right decision," Reyes said. "If I miss a couple games, it won't be a big deal because I have to get ready for the season."
Reyes isn't sure how long he'll be on the DL. But he's had just 10 at-bats in minor league games, with base-running limitations. He has yet to play more than three innings in the field in a game.
The two-time All-Star tripled in his first at-bat of an intrasquad scrimmage March 1. After blood work, he was sent to New York for more testing that revealed he had a hyperactive thyroid.
Reyes hasn't played nine innings since last May when he was sidelined for the season after 36 games because of a hamstring injury.
"It's crazy," Reyes said. "So many things happened to me in spring training. But I have to stay positive in my mind, and hopefully I can get in the games as soon as I can."
Reyes said he is feeling good overall.
"I've been doing everything no problem, but it's [getting into] baseball shape that's the key," he said. "My legs, too, everything is good. I need to get [at-bats] and go from there."