Blue Jays' Springer Returns to Lineup as DH

Springer was previously day-to-day with a left ankle sprain.

© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

It appears George Springer has avoided a serious injury.

After crumpling near the wall while jumping for a fly ball at Tropicana Field Friday, the Blue Jays center fielder was removed from the game with a left ankle sprain. Springer missed Saturday's game—a 5-1 Blue Jays' win—but will return to his usual spot atop Toronto's order Sunday as the designated hitter. 

Let’s get that series W! #NextLevel pic.twitter.com/orNP56Gxra

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 15, 2022

Given Springer's complicated injury history during his short tenure with the Jays, this situation is worth following closely. Last season, the 32-year-old dealt with a serious quad injury to start the season, and his return to action was a bit rushed, which aggravated his injury even further and sent him back to the injured list.

There's no doubt Toronto wants to avoid a repeat of that scenario, so Sunday will be a good test to see how Springer moves on the base paths and in the batters box. 

Springer—who leads the team with a .860 OPS this year—always brings a big offensive boost, though the Blue Jays looked fine in his absence Saturday, clocking two homers and putting up five runs.