Springer Snaps Hitless Streak When Blue Jays Need Him Most
George Springer raised his arms in awe.
He'd done it. After nearly two weeks of groundouts, strikeouts, and hard liners that failed to find grass, the Blue Jays right fielder finally had a hit.
Springer's run-scoring single in the fourth inning on Wednesday snapped an 0-for-35 hitless streak that dated back to July 22nd. After tying the Blue Jays franchise record for longest hit draught earlier in the game, a looping fly ball ducked just in front of Orioles centerfielder Ryan McKenna to end Springer's dry spell. The Blue Jays are hoping it opens the floodgates.
"That was genuine happiness," Springer said. "It’s no secret it's been a hard stretch for me, and not the time to go through it, but I mean, that's the game so I'm just glad I can help in that spot.”
In Springer's last 10 games entering Wednesday, the outfielder had a .156 on-base percentage and a .181 OPS. The slump has brought his season batting average down to .246 and OPS to .695 — both marks the lowest since his rookie campaign.
The real numbers are tough, but the Blue Jays gain confidence from Springer's expected metrics. His average exit velocity is right in line with his career average, and his expected batting average is 20 points higher than his earned. While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads baseball in the difference between his expected wOBA (.390) and real (.340), Springer ranks 24th in the category (.336 to .306).
"He's had such a weird year," Schneider said. "I think even going back to like April and May when he was hitting the ball hard with no luck. And I think every underlying numbers kind of says, okay, George is the normal George and it's been some bad luck."
George Springer is 1-for-1 (1.000 AVG) in his last 1 AB pic.twitter.com/H3O7gsnyaq
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 3, 2023
But, the Blue Jays don't win baseball games off expected hits. They need a few of those coveted real ones. Springer busting out of his current slump became especially important with star shortstop Bo Bichette heading to the injured list on Wednesday. Bichette leads the Jays in hits, homers, and OPS, and it's not entirely clear how long he'll be out with right patellar tendinitis. There are plenty of underperforming bats that can step it up in the shortstop's absence, but Springer tops the list.
"You look for other guys to step right in and have opportunities," Schneider said of Bichette's absence. "Everyone has to chip in and do their part."
Mitch Bannon is a baseball reporter for Sports Illustrated covering the Toronto Blue Jays and their minor league affiliates.Twitter: @MitchBannon