Where Will George Springer Fit Into the Blue Jays Batting Order?

As Springer nears a return, it's time to speculate where he'll hit in the Blue Jays potent lineup.

Center fielder George Springer has played just four games in a Blue Jays uniform since signing a six-year 150-million-dollar-deal with Toronto in the offseason.

In those four games -- all as the designated hitter  -- Springer slashed .200/.294/.600, with a boost in his power numbers thanks to a two-home run night at TD Ballpark against the Atlanta Braves.

But Springer's been bothered by injuries all season. First the oblique issue and now a quad strain has kept him out of action since May 2. 

The Blue Jays lineup has done just fine without him -- hitting 84 home runs (third in MLB) and posting a .762 OPS (second in MLB) -- but the addition of a bat like Springer's could shoot Toronto to the very top of most offensive statistics.

Springer is "very close" to beginning a rehab assignment, per general manager Ross Atkins. Springer is running the bases, doing outfield drills at full speed and traveled with the team for its most recent road trip to Chicago. 

His return is likely weeks away, but as Springer inches closer to a return to play, let's look at where he might slide into the Blue Jays batting order. 

The case for the lead-off spot

This seems to be the most likely spot for him. Springer hit leadoff in all four games this year -- despite barely being able to run -- which gives the impression that Montoyo likes him there. 

In his eight-year career, Springer has taken 78% of his at-bats out of the leadoff spot He's done mighty fine too, slashing .277/.365/.501 when he sits atop the lineup.

In an ordinary lineup, this looks like a no-brainer. But here's the dilemma, Marcus Semien has been outstanding as Toronto's leadoff man. Since May 1, Semien has hit .351 with eight home runs, a 1.066 OPS and picked up the American League Player of the Month Award in the process. 

Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said he's been thinking about who will take over the top spot once Springer is back. 

"Semien is doing a good job as the leadoff," Montoyo said recently. "That conversation is gonna come up and we'll see where we go from here." 

The case for No. 2, No. 3, or anywhere else

Springer could hit in the two or three-spot it would seem, since Teoscar Hernandez has the clean-up position locked up. 

The three spot you say? Wouldn't it be nuts to move Vladimir Guerrero Jr. out of a spot he's had so much success in? 

Well, perhaps, but Guerrero Jr. is sporting a league-best .441 OBP. Imagine the damage a healthy Springer could do with a man on base in nearly half his at-bats. Again, it's a win-win no matter where you put him. 

Who moves down? 

Bo Bichette would be the likeliest candidate to drop down the order. It's certainly not that Bichette isn't a good hitter, he just hasn't been killing baseballs at the outrageous clip we've come to expect from him.

His .788 OPS in 2021 is well below the .885 OPS he boasted in his first two major league seasons and he's said on multiple occasions he doesn't feel "locked in" at the plate just yet. Bichette could also benefit from less pressure as he shifts down the order. 

However the lineup unfolds, a top five featuring Springer, Semien, Guerrero Jr., Hernandez and Bichette gives Toronto one of the most fearsome orders in baseball.