When Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer took a hit to the helmet from a wild pitch on July 28, immediate worries about his health and the team’s prospects surfaced. Now, more than ten days later, those worries have intensified as Springer has yet to return to the Blue Jays or appear in any rehab games with their Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons.
History of Concussions Casts a Shadow on Springer’s Current Status
Springer’s current absence is troubling partly due to his previous concussion history. Fans remember his 2019 injury with the Houston Astros after crashing into a wall during a defensive play. More recently, the Blue Jays community recalls the significant concussion he suffered after colliding with shortstop Bo Bichette during the 2022 AL Wild Card Series against the Seattle Mariners, a moment that coincided with a crucial game collapse.
These past injuries seem to have influenced his performance over the subsequent seasons. Particularly in 2024, Springer recorded career lows with a .220 batting average and a .674 OPS, signaling a dip that concerned many supporters. Given these factors, Blue Jays fans have ample reason to worry about the prolonged absence from the 2025 season’s lineup.
Springer’s 2025 Performance Showed Return to Form Before Injury
Before this injury, Springer appeared to have reclaimed his previous dominance, serving as a leading offensive player for Toronto. In 2025, he posted a career-high batting average of .291 and an OPS of .889 over 101 games, along with impressive stats including 18 home runs, 57 RBIs, 66 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. This resurgence reinforced the belief that Springer was fully back to impacting the Jays’ squad positively on a daily basis.
Current Injury Recovery Progress and Team Impact
Despite surpassing the standard seven-day concussion protocol, Springer remains absent from Buffalo’s lineup. Blue Jays manager John Schneider mentioned on the Blair and Barker show that Springer, now 35, is “feeling better every day” and has begun some hitting, running, and fielding fly balls, according to Sportsnet. Still, until Springer makes an official return to game action, apprehension continues among fans eager for his comeback.
Springer’s Role as a Vital Leader and What’s at Stake
George Springer has consistently been a cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ playoff hopes, not only through his offensive contributions but also for his leadership and tenacity on the field. His absence affects the entire lineup, creating challenges the team cannot afford in this crucial stretch of the season. The Blue Jays and their fans alike hope for Springer to regain full health soon, enabling him to help lead Toronto deeper into the postseason.
“feeling better every day” —John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager