Springer Plans to Resume Running Thursday
The Toronto Blue Jays prized free agent may soon be back, again.
The Blue Jays plan to have outfielder George Springer resume running Thursday, said Manager Charlie Montoyo. Springer has been hitting in the cage while recovering from a quad strain.
Springer returned from the same injury at the end of April but played in only four games before he was placed back on the Injured List with a quad strain reaggravation.
"I believe I can play through whatever," Springer said after re-injuring his quad against the Braves. "Obviously, I couldn't and here I am.”
In his four games and 18 plate appearances this season Springer hit two home runs, drove in three runs, and posted a .894 OPS.
While Springer has only briefly seen the field since signing with the Blue Jays, the outfielder has rarely missed significant time with injury in his career. Following his rookie season in 2014, Springer has played at least 100 games in every full season.
Other Updates:
- With Rafael Dolis on the 10-Day IL, Montoyo trusts right-hander Jordan Romano in the highest leverage innings. The Jays don't have a closer,' Montoyo said, but Romano can come in in the eighth or ninth innings to get big outs.
- Another useful bullpen weapon for Toronto has been converted starter Tyler Chatwood. After completing his first two-inning outing of 2021 on Sunday, Montoyo said Chatwood can be used in a multi-inning role if rested. The preference, Montoyo said, is to use him for individual innings across multiple days.
- With Nate Pearson optioned to AAA, left handed pitcher Anthony Kay will fill the fifth rotation spot in Toronto's pitching staff
Mitch Bannon is a baseball reporter for Sports Illustrated covering the Toronto Blue Jays and their minor league affiliates.Twitter: @MitchBannon