9:43PM: In more positive news on Springer’s condition, Montoyo told The Toronto Star’s Gregor Chisholm and other reporters that the outfielder has improved enough that the team hasn’t needed to do further tests on the ankle.
TODAY, 2:08AM: X-rays were negative on Springer’s leg, as manager Charlie Montoyo told reporters (including Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling) that Springer is day-to-day with a mild left ankle sprain.
AUGUST 14: Blue Jays center fielder George Springer left tonight’s game with an apparent injury to his lower left leg. Springer made an awkward landing while attempting to catch a Ty France triple to the wall in the seventh inning, and Springer immediately grabbed at his ankle area after hitting the ground. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, albeit gingerly.
It certainly looks like another trip to the injured list is coming for Springer, who has already missed a big chunk of his first Blue Jays season. Springer has played in only 49 games due to an oblique strain and a pair of quad strains, and it isn’t surprising that Springer’s eventual return resulted in a big uptick in the Jays’ performance.
When Springer has played, he has lived up to the expectations created by his six-year, $150MM free agent deal. Springer has hit .269/.362/.610 with 16 home runs over 211 plate appearances, good for a 158 wRC+. Over a full season, this would represent a new career best for Springer, who had a 157 wRC+ in 556 PA and 122 games with the Astros in 2019.
This type of production can’t really be replaced, and losing Springer for any amount of time will represent a major blow to Toronto’s playoff chances. The Jays do at least have some outfield depth, as without Springer, the new alignment would likely be Teoscar Hernandez in right field, Randal Grichuk in center field, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Corey Dickerson sharing time in left field and probably also DH duty. Cavan Biggio and rookie Josh Palacios can also factor into the outfield mix when they return from the injured list.
