DENVER — Because the Toronto Blue Jays start a six-game swing via the Nationwide League West on Monday, it is clear that the presence of George Springer is missed within the lineup and clubhouse.
Positioned on the seven-day concussion listing on Aug. 1 after being hit in the head by a pitch on July 28, Springer will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday. The hope is that the 35-year-old Springer can return to MLB play shortly after that.
“We have been fairly aggressive with what he’s bodily cleared to do when it comes to hitting and hitting off the machine,” Toronto supervisor John Schneider mentioned on Monday because the Blue Jays ready to face the Colorado Rockies.
Schneider admitted that he has needed to get “artistic” with the lineup in Springer’s absence. Hitting largely within the second spot within the batting order for the reason that begin of July, Springer has been one among MLB’s hottest hitters for the reason that All-Star break, slashing .432/.519/.614 in 44 at-bats.
“It isn’t simply him (Springer) however I feel the way it performs down the lineup too,” Schneider says of the veteran hitter’s absence. “It isn’t simply what he does within the field, however on the bases as properly. Having that voice within the dugout, it is actually good. It additionally lets the remainder of the lineup do their factor as properly.”
Bo Bichette is one among three gamers who has crammed in on the two-hole in Springer’s absence. He was penciled into that spot on Monday evening in a stadium the place his dad, Dante, was revered as one of many Blake Road Bombers and hit one of the vital memorable residence runs in Colorado historical past, coming via within the first sport performed at Coors Subject.
