The Toronto Blue Jays moved on from some players in their aging core at this past trade deadline but elected to hold on to designated hitter George Springer in what is the final year of his contract.
Springer signed a six-year, $150 million deal with Toronto back in 2021, and while it has had its downs, it is a contract the Blue Jays would make again.
Springer sent the Blue Jays to the World Series last year, and despite a slow start this season he is starting to show signs of life.
Over his last 13 games, Springer has posted a .280 batting average, .357 on-base percentage, .817 OPS, two home runs and nine RBIs while striking out just eight times in 56 plate appearances.
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Springer was looking to continue that hot stretch for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Unfortunately, that will not be the case. Hours before first pitch, the Blue Jays removed him from the lineup.
Jesus Sanchez took over as the designated hitter while Myles Straw entered the lineup card in left field. The Blue Jays announced the reason for Springer's removal was injury-related.
"UPDATE: DH George Springer was removed from tonight’s starting lineup with left shoulder tightness," the club wrote on X.
This is not the first setback Springer has dealt with this year, having also battled a fractured left big toe earlier in the season.
It is disappointing to see him go down now, particularly given the timing of his recent offensive uptick.
Manager John Schneider also added that Springer has been dealing with the soreness for a couple of days and he was looking to get him a day off anyways, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.
With the Blue Jays running out of time to get back into the American League playoff race, they will hope this remains a day-to-day situation rather than something that requires a stint on the injured list.
