George Springer was one of the notable veterans on the Toronto Blue Jays who stayed put when the trade deadline passed. Toronto had been linked to possible moves involving Springer, who is in the final year of his contract. But the Blue Jays kept him, with GM Ross Atkins confirming the club wanted him to remain in Toronto.
The Blue Jays apparently still place value on Springer, especially after what he gave the club during its run to the 2025 World Series. His 32 home runs and .959 OPS last season helped make him one of the team’s most productive bats.
Toronto needs that version of Springer again as it looks to make a late push for a playoff spot. The Blue Jays enter Wednesday at 58-63 and have already taken the first two games of their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox.
© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Springer, however, has had an uneven year when it comes to his availability. He fractured his left big toe in April, returned and then took another pitch off the same foot in May. He later missed time on the paternity list before returning to the lineup. Most recently, he was scratched against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 8 because of left shoulder tightness.
Springer returned for Toronto’s first two games against Boston. However, he was notably absent in the Blue Jays starting lineup announced ahead of Wednesday’s game. Kazuma Okamoto is back after being scratched in consecutive games and will serve as the designated hitter in his place.
Springer has played 90 games this season and is batting .235 with a .319 on-base percentage and .394 slugging percentage. His .713 OPS comes with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs and nine stolen bases. His 2026 wRC+ sits at 103.
Toronto has primarily used Springer as its designated hitter this season, limiting his work in the outfield to manage his workload.
ALSO SEE:
- MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Wednesday, Aug. 12
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First-Inning Predictions for Wednesday, Aug. 12
The Blue Jays will try to clinch the series Wednesday at Rogers Centre, with José Soriano scheduled to face Boston’s Ranger Suárez. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET.
