George Springer has been an important part of the Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup this season, even as the veteran has dealt with a few physical setbacks. Toronto has also leaned on him heavily as its designated hitter, allowing the team to manage his workload while keeping his bat in the lineup.
His role has become even more important in recent weeks. Springer is batting .292 with 21 hits, two home runs and 12 RBIs (.815 OPS) in his last 20 games. He was originally scheduled to start at DH against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday before the Blue Jays scratched him because of left shoulder tightness.
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Toronto has now made another change involving Springer ahead of Sunday’s series finale.
The Blue Jays announced that Springer will miss his second straight game, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. taking over as the team’s designated hitter. Guerrero started at first base Saturday in his return from a hamstring injury, while Jesús Sánchez filled in for Springer at DH.
Guerrero made an immediate impact in his return. He went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an RBI single as Toronto defeated Philadelphia 7-5 in 11 innings. Nathan Lukes later delivered the go-ahead two-run homer in the 11th.
Guerrero starts at DH despite revealing on Saturday that he had undergone an MRI on his right hamstring Wednesday in Houston. The six-time All-Star confirmed the scan showed only inflammation and he was feeling some pain. He also told reporters that he is ready to play through it (h/t Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet).
Toronto will now turn to Guerrero at DH while Springer gets another day away from the lineup. The Blue Jays will look to complete a sweep of the Phillies after winning the first two games of the series.
