The Toronto Blue Jays say they're looking into reports that shortstop Yunel Escobar played Saturday's game against Boston with a homophobic slur written in Spanish under his eyes.

Several pictures posted online show Escobar with the message written in his eye-black, a type of sticker players wear under their eyes to reduce the sun's glare.

The words under the 29-year-old Cuban's eyes were ``TU ERE MARICON'' which can be translated as ``You are a faggot.''

The photos stirred up controversy on Twitter and several sports blogs Monday afternoon. Escobar was trending on Twitter by early evening.

A Blue Jays spokesman said the team was looking into the matter.

The Jays were off Monday night before opening a three-game series Tuesday in New York against the Yankees.

(Canadian Press)