George Springer will take to the outfield for the first time in 2026 as the Toronto Blue Jays announced their lineup for Friday's series opener against the Chicago White Sox to open the second half.
Springer has been Toronto's primary designated hitter this season, starting 66 games here while working back from a fractured left big toe. Springer fractured the toe on April 11, when he fouled a pitch off of his own foot against the Minnesota Twins, an injury that kept him out for 13 consecutive games.
The 36-year-old is slashing .221/.308/.373 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs this season, a steep drop from his career year in 2025, when he hit .309 with 32 home runs, a .959 OPS and 84 RBIs across 140 games and helped push Toronto to its first World Series appearance since 1993.
Toronto enters Friday at 45-51, sitting in last place in the American League East and outside of the current Wild Card picture.
Getting Springer healthy enough to put him back into a corner outfield spot, even part-time, gives manager John Schneider another lineup option as the Blue Jays attempt to make a run at getting back into contention over the second half.
Springer also gets a favorable matchup for his outfield debut. Left-hander Anthony Kay starts for the White Sox, and Springer has been the Blue Jays' most productive hitter against left-handed pitching this season, posting an .810 OPS in 81 at-bats. Right-hander Spencer Miles takes the mound for Toronto.
© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
How the toe responds to defensive work will determine if Springer returns to full-time duty or if he will be splitting time between the outfield and DH.
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