Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Blue Jays Send George Springer on Rehab Assignment
The return is near.
The Blue Jays have sent outfielder George Springer on a rehab assignment to Rochester to join the Triple-A Bisons, the team announced Monday. The plan is to have him play five innings in the field in the first game, Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said.
“Every test there is, he cleared all the tests you need going into a rehab assignment," Montoyo said.
Over the last few weeks, Montoyo has given updates on his star outfielder, saying he's had his best day yet and was moving closer to a return. It now seems like that return will finally come.
Springer has dealt with a quad strain for most of the season but returned from the Injured List in early May for a series against the Atlanta Braves. In four games against the Nationals and Braves Springer hit two homers, but reaggravated the strain and was placed back on the IL. Since the reinjury on May 5, Springer has gone through a running progression, worked in the outfield, and run the bases. Now he will get into live game action.
“He’s not coming back to be a DH," Montoyo said. "When he comes back it’s because he’s ready to play in the outfield.”
In Springer's absence, Randal Grichuk has been playing every-day centerfield with Jonathan Davis and the recently healthy Cavan Biggio filling in in the outfield at times. Grichuk has been hot at the plate and improved in center, but Springer's return should bump Grichuk back to his traditional right field most days.
Getting back their $150 million man will help improve Toronto's lineup depth and outfield defense. One tough decision for Monyoto is what to do with his lineup once his star is back. Both Davis and 1B/DH Rowdy Tellez could be candidates to lose their 26-man roster spot when Springer is promoted.
Further Reading:
Steven Matz has tested positive for COVID-19
Eight Blue Jays On Baseball America's New Top 100 Prospects List
