George Springer Makes Heroic Return From Injured List Earlier Than Expected

George Springer Makes Heroic Return From Injured List Earlier Than Expected

by | Aug 31, 2021 | THE THREE SPOT

You Ain’t Seen Bouncing Back…

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer has missed 80 games this season, and was expected to miss more than a few more after spraining his left knee in a game against Seattle on Aug. 14.

Toronto put him on the 10-day injured list, and fans were worried that Springer could be gone with another extended absence.

Instead, Springer is back after missing 13 games.

 

 

It was his third trip to the IL since joining the Blue Jays as a free agent this past offseason.

He has been such an important part of the Jays’ success, helping lead his team to a 29-20 record in games he had started.

 

As Toronto surged back into the playoff chase, posting an 18-9 mark from July 11 through Aug. 11, Springer was one of the top hitters in baseball.

He slashed .377/.402/.779 in those games, absolutely crushing the baseball. Springer collected 35 hits, 23 of them going for extra bases. He also scored 30 runs while driving in 24.

The 2017 World Series MVP smashed 11 of his 16 home runs during that stretch.

 

Toronto has gone 6-10 since, falling five games back of the Boston Red Sox for the second Wild Card spot. The powerful Blue Jays offense was held to three or fewer runs in 12 of those games.

Rejoining the Blue Jays’ lineup on Monday night, Springer made an immediate impact, serving as the designated hitter and leading off.

He went 1-2, with a walk and two runs scored. He even stole a base in Toronto’s 7-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

Toronto has to be hoping that with Springer back at the top of the order they still have a shot to make the postseason in back-to-back seasons for only the third time in franchise history.

 

“George is a proven, very professional (hitter) with plate discipline and elite ability to swing at pitches he can drive, so that will be a big add to the lineup for sure,” said Toronto general manager Ross Atkins prior to the game.

For now, Springer will only be a DH for the Jays, while he continues to rehab his knee.

Toronto players and fans are ecstatic to have Springer on the field in any capacity. He could have taken the money and chilled this season. Instead, he returns in time to help Toronto make a late push to the postseason.

He’s a true leader.