Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
George Springer Rejoins Blue Jays in Miami
The debut, part two.
George Springer is in Miami and has rejoined the Blue Jays today, per Sportsnet's Hazel Mae. Springer has been activated by the Blue Jays and will hit fifth and be in centerfield tonight.
"I'm ready to go," Springer told the media Tuesday.
It's been over six weeks since Springer made his Toronto debut, but the anticipation is as high as ever. The $150 million free-agent signing appeared in four games for the Blue Jays in early May, but was placed back on the IL after reagravating a quad strain.
Since the re-injury, Springer has gone through a running program, taking drills in the outfield, and has completed a minor league rehab assignment. In five games for Triple-A Buffalo, Springer acted as a centerfielder and designated hitter, hitting three-for-17 with an RBI.
The outfielder was hitless in his rehab debut, but notched several hard hit balls including a late-game single, Wednesday night against Rochester. After an off-day Friday, Springer was removed from his fourth rehab game due to poor weather, and played seven innings in the outfield to wrap up the weekend on Sunday.
The Blue Jays were adamant the length of Springer's rehab assignment would be dictated by how the star felt after hitting and playing in the field for the first time in six weeks. After the first game, manager Charlie Montoyo said Springer felt great.
The Blue Jays optioned Rowdy Tellez to Triple-A in a corresponding roster move to activate Springer. With another outfielder back in the fold, Toronto will have options between Springer, Randal Grichuk, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Teoscar Hernandez to man the grass every day. The group will likely rotate through the DH spot, with Springer not playing every day in CF, at least not to start.
“I’m willing to do whatever it is that they need me to do,” Springer said. “I feel great but whatever is best for the team that day.”
Bigger questions surround where to hit Springer, who has been a leadoff man for most of his career. Marcus Semien has played almost the entire season out of Toronto's leadoff spot and has an OBP above .340 with a home run pace set to beat his career high.
Further Reading:
Enjoy Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s 2021 Season
Where Will George Springer Fit Into the Blue Jays Batting Order?
