George Springer’s return to the Toronto Blue Jays lineup is approaching, though the outfielder has not yet appeared in a Triple-A game with the Buffalo Bisons as part of his rehab. Springer, 35, has been sidelined since suffering a head injury after being hit by a pitch on July 28, which led to him being placed on the seven-day concussion injured list on August 1. The Blue Jays had initially hoped for a quick rehab stint with Buffalo, but he has not yet taken the field for the team.
Springer’s recovery gaining momentum with cautious steps
Blue Jays manager John Schneider provided an update during a Friday broadcast on Blair and Barker, explaining that Springer is improving each day.
“He’s hitting, running, today he’s taking fly balls off a bat in the outfield. As soon as he can get clearance from the MLB, [he’ll] probably play in a game, see how he feels and go from there,”
Schneider said. The cautious approach reflects the team’s effort to ensure Springer’s full recovery before reintegrating him into game action.
Springer’s value to the Blue Jays lineup remains significant
The Blue Jays recently set a franchise record for runs and hits across a three-game series in Denver, yet Springer’s presence is expected to strengthen the lineup once he returns. In 101 games so far this season, Springer has posted a batting line of .291/.383/.506 with 57 RBIs, including a team-leading 18 home runs, showing his continued offensive impact when healthy.
Other key Blue Jays players working on returns from injury
Second baseman Andres Giménez is another player rehabbing with the Bisons after suffering an ankle sprain on July 4. Schneider noted that Giménez will play five to seven innings on Friday at Triple-A. Meanwhile, offseason signing Anthony Santander remains in Florida recovering from a shoulder injury that has kept him out since May 29.
“I think he’s close to hitting, but no real update there, but he’s feeling better,”
Schneider said about Santander, who has struggled this season with a .179 average over 50 games.
Pitching prospects also making progress on rehab assignments
On the mound, Shane Bieber, the Blue Jays’ trade deadline acquisition recovering from Tommy John surgery, is scheduled to pitch on Saturday in a Triple-A rehab start. The goal for Bieber is to reach 70 to 75 pitches during this outing as he moves closer to returning to the major league rotation. Schneider explained the plan for Bieber includes one more rehab appearance before evaluating the next steps, aiming for a comfort level of 80 to 85 pitches in future outings.
Significance of returning players for Blue Jays’ playoff push
The return of Springer and other injured players could provide the Blue Jays with much-needed depth as they push toward the postseason. Springer’s bat and experience, alongside Giménez’s infield presence and Bieber’s pitching potential, will be critical for Toronto as it navigates the final stretch of the MLB season. The team’s cautious approach to these rehab assignments underscores their objective to secure long-term health while bringing key contributors back at the optimum time.