How George Springer's injury timeline could impact Toronto Blue Jays at leadoff, designated hitter
Photo credit: Nathan Denette-The Canadian Press
George Springer's broken left toe will test the depth and resilience of a Toronto Blue Jays team that’s already dealing with more than its fair share of injuries.
As you probably already know Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer left Saturday's game against the Twins with a broken left toe.
Springer fouled off an 0–1 pitch that struck his left foot, briefly dropping to the ground at home plate.
Despite the pain, he completed the at-bat and grounded out to third base. However, he was replaced by Myles Straw when his spot in the lineup came up again in the sixth inning.
According to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet, manager John Schneider said initial X-rays showed a “probable small fracture” in Springer’s left big toe.
The team is now awaiting CT scan results before determining next steps.
How long does Springers timeline look compared to those with the same injury?
It’s still uncertain how much time Springer could miss, though a stint on the injured list remains a strong possibility.
There are mixed signals at this stage. Springer’s ability to finish his at-bat offers some optimism, but toe fractures can vary widely depending on their exact location and severity.
Last season, Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets both suffered minor fractures in their pinky toes.
Neither player required time on the injured list.
However, Joe Musgrove of the San Diego Padres broke his left big toe in February 2023 and was sidelined for roughly two months before returning in late April.
More clarity on Springer’s condition, and his potential timeline, should emerge in the coming days.
“The CT will confirm something in terms of a plan,” Schneider told reporters, including Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. “I know Georgie plays through a lot all the time. Fingers crossed, but we’ll see what this CT says.”
If Springer is forced to miss time, it would be another setback for a Blue Jays roster already dealing with multiple injuries.
The lineup has been particularly affected. Alejandro Kirk recently underwent thumb surgery and is expected to miss six weeks, while Addison Barger was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday due to a left ankle sprain.
That raises the question: who steps in?
Springer’s absence could create an opportunity for Eloy Jimenez.
A stint on the injured list for Springer may open the door for Jiménez to rejoin the major league roster.
The former Chicago White Sox slugger recorded a 119 wRC+ across 45 plate appearances during spring training.
He has carried that momentum into Triple-A, posting a .281/.368/.406 slash line through 10 games.
Promoting Jiménez would require a move on the 40-man roster, though such a move appears increasingly likely.
As Matheson points out, Jonatan Clase is currently the only remaining position player on the 40-man roster, and he, too, is on the injured list.
Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer (1-1, 3.38 earned-run average) is scheduled to start the series finale on Sunday afternoon against Twins right-hander Taj Bradley (2-0, 1.08 ERA).
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Eloy Jimenez the next man up in wake of George Springer injury news
Eloy Jimenez the next man up in wake of George Springer injury news
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