George Springer & Michael Brantley Injuries Are Crushing Blows For Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros Playoff Push

Two former World Series Champions and teammates in Michael Brantley and George Springer are expected to miss time down the stretch due to injuries.

Michael Brantley

The understated superstar may see his streak of five consecutive seasons with a batting average of .299 or better snapped because of a shoulder injury that leaves him with no timetable to return.

 

 

When Astros general manager James Click was asked if Brantley would be back at any point this season, he said “We hope so, but with every passing day, you have to kind of take an honest look at it.”

Brantley has not played since June 26th when Houston traveled to the Bronx for what was looked at as a possible future American League Championship Series preview.

They would end up splitting the four-game series. Entering Tuesday, both teams are currently tied for the best record in the American League.

Although the already-loaded Astros bulked up at the trade deadline by adding former Oriole Trey Mancini and Red Sox catcher Christian Vasquez, Brantley’s presence will be missed if he is not available come October.

 

 

Last postseason, Brantley was a key part of their run to the World Series, batting .319 with nine RBI, four doubles and a .724 OPS. In 2020, he hit .346 with a .424 on base percentage, .982 OPS six walks and 11 RBI. In 64 games this season, Brantley is batting .288 with five home runs and 28 runs scored.  

There will be no rush to bring him back until he is fully healthy. Hopefully we get to see one of the best hitters in the game this fall.

George Springer

The Blue Jays win when George Springer is in.  

It could be any time between a few days and a few weeks before one of the greatest leadoff hitters of all time is back in the fold.

 

 

Springer was placed on the 10-Day Injured List over the weekend with inflammation in his right elbow. Some of the moves the Jays made at the deadline bring up questions about how long they could be without him.

The team traded for utility player Whit Merrifield and added MLBbro outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. after he was Designated for Assignment by the Red Sox last week.

Bradley Jr. was the 2018 American League Championship Series MVP and reunited with Boston after spending a season in Milwaukee.

He could never get much going at the plate, as he was only hitting .210 with a .257 on base percentage this year, but defensively he is still one of the best in the Majors.

In his career, Springer has hit 51 leadoff home runs which is fourth-most all time in Major League history. Rickey Henderson is at the head of the table with 81 during his 25-year playing career.

Despite having seven other All-Stars players since 2021, the Jays win and loss total rides on whether Springer is in the lineup or not.

Since signing a six-year $150 million deal with Toronto, the franchise has a record of 97-70 when he plays and 54-52 when he does not. Springer is eligible to return August 15th when Cedric “CM Storm” Mullins brings his Orioles to “The 6” for a three-game series.