The Toronto Blue Jays head to San Francisco looking to put a disappointing weekend behind them. After opening its previous series with a win on Friday, Toronto was shut out in consecutive games, including Sunday’s 4-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners. The Blue Jays have now dropped three of their last five games and enter Monday’s opener at 42-48.
Toronto’s offense searched for answers against the Mariners, and did so without one of its best bats. After missing Thursday’s game against the New York Mets, George Springer was absent for all three games against the Mariners due to being on the paternity list following the birth of his third child. Once his paternity leave expired, the Blue Jays transferred him to the family medical emergency list to give him additional time with his family.
© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Giants, the Blue Jays officially activated Springer from the paternity list.
However, the veteran was not included in the starting lineup, with Toronto electing to ease him back after his three-game absence.
The Blue Jays will be hoping Springer can provide a much-needed spark whenever he returns to the lineup. After finishing seventh in American League MVP voting during his resurgent 2025 season, the 36-year-old has struggled offensively in 2026, batting .221 with eight home runs, 21 RBIs and a .681 OPS through 63 games.
Toronto’s offense managed just two runs against Seattle and will need much improved production from its best players, including the 2017 World Series MVP.
ALSO SEE:
- MLB Prop Bets Today: Best MLB Player Prop Predictions for Saturday, July 4
- MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Saturday, July 4
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First Inning Predictions for Saturday, July 4
Springer’s return comes at an important time as the Blue Jays open a three-game set against the Giants before concluding their California trip with three games against the San Diego Padres. Toronto sits sixth in the American League wild card standings and will need to return to its best during the second half of the season.
