The Toronto Blue Jays are still within striking distance of the final American League wild card spot. However, it is a close race and they are going to need all hands on deck. That includes designated hitter George Springer.
After a sluggish start to the year, the 36-year-old veteran has dominated the second half. Across 24 games, Springer has posted a .289 batting average, .366 on-base percentage, .823 OPS, three home runs and 14 RBIs.
Springer has been banged up in August though. He suffered an injury to his left shoulder that he attempted to play through, but the issue forced him out of the starting lineup this past weekend as he was held out for the final two games Toronto played against the Philadelphia Phillies.
He did still appear in those games as a pinch runner. Springer returned to the lineup the past two days during their current series against the Boston Red Sox, but was removed again for Wednesday's matchup with infielder Kazuma Okamoto occupying the designated hitter spot in his place.
Manager John Schneider announced the reason for Springer's absence was still injury-related. "George Springer getting a day to ease burden on his shoulder, said Schneider. He's available off the bench," reported Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.
The distinction from Schneider is meaningful because Springer does routinely receive days off to manage lingering discomfort, something the team has prioritized after injuries piled up in 2025.
Springer also carries a ton of mileage on his body as a 13-year MLB veteran. It is still disappointing to see him out of the lineup, but this still seems to be a day-to-day situation that needs to be managed carefully rather than a setback that will result in a stint on the 10-day injured list.
His next chance to return to the starting lineup will come on Thursday for the series finale against the Red Sox.
