George Springer Hitless In Triple-A Rehab Debut
George Springer is back playing baseball in upstate New York — just not for the Blue Jays, yet.
In the first game of his minor league rehab assignment, the Blue Jays outfielder was hitless with two groundouts for Triple-A Buffalo. Springer hit leadoff for the Bisons, and played five innings in the field against the Rochester Red Wings (affiliate of the Washington Nationals).
In his first plate appearance, Springer worked the count to 2-2 before slicing a grounder down to third base. Coming off a leg injury, Springer was quick out of the box and almost beat the throw. In the bottom of the inning, the centerfielder drifted to his right on a lazy fly ball to secure the final out of the inning.
Springer played just five innings in center before he was subbed out, as was the plan per Manager Charlie Montoyo. Montoyo said the team has the first few days of Springer's rehab stint planned out, but the amount he plays in the field and his eventual return will be dictated by how the outfielder feels.
"When he comes back," Montoyo said, "he should be able to play in the outfield. He’s not coming back to be a DH."
Tuesday was Springer's first live competition since he was placed back on the Injured List after reaggravating his right quad strain in early May. In his four games of MLB action this season, Springer registered three hits and two home runs in 18 plate appearances.
Buffalo's next game will come against Rogelio Armenteros and Rochester tomorrow night, with a 7:05 pm EST start. Nate Pearson is currently the probable pitcher for the Bisons.
Further Reading:
Enjoy Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s 2021 Season
Where Will George Springer Fit Into the Blue Jays Batting Order?
Mitch Bannon is a baseball reporter for Sports Illustrated covering the Toronto Blue Jays and their minor league affiliates.Twitter: @MitchBannon