George Springer has led the way for the Toronto Blue Jays after the All-Star break as the club tries to revive its season. Toronto desperately needs wins to climb back into the American League playoff race, and the veteran outfielder has been one of the club’s most productive hitters to begin the second half.
Springer opened the second half at left field and launched a solo home run in Friday’s 12-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox, accounting for one of Toronto’s few offensive highlights.
He followed that up in Saturday’s 1-0 victory, driving in the game’s only run with a fourth-inning single after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled into scoring position. The RBI helped the Blue Jays even the series at one game apiece while improving to 46-52 on the season.
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Toronto will now look to secure the series in Sunday’s finale. However, it will do so without the four-time All-Star. Blue Jays manager John Schneider left Springer out of Sunday’s lineup, most likely to give the veteran a day to rest after starting each of the first two games coming out of the All-Star break.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will take his place at designated hitter, with Sean Keys earning the nod at first baseman.
In 68 games this season, Springer is batting .219 with 10 home runs, 25 RBIs, six stolen bases and a .683 OPS. His most notable absence this season came in early July when the Blue Jays placed him on the paternity list as he and his wife welcomed their third child. Springer ultimately missed six consecutive games after the club also placed him on the family medical emergency list before returning ahead of the All-Star break.
The Blue Jays and White Sox meet at Rogers Centre, with first pitch scheduled for 1:37 p.m. ET.
