Latest injury update on Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer
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Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider sounded optimistic when speaking to reporters about a possible weekend return for George Springer on Tuesday.
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer took an encouraging step in his recovery at Angel Stadium, where he participated in running drills and hit off a machine.
George Springer is doing some light running with progressively more intensity, monitored by Blue Jays head trainer Jose Ministral.
It marked his most extensive on-field activity since suffering a fracture in his left big toe earlier this month.
In an interview with MLB.com's Courtney Hollmon, Springer indicated that despite the progress, he acknowledged that discomfort is still part of the healing process.
"I mean, I don’t really put expectations on it. I’ve just expected it to hurt," Springer said on Tuesday. "I’m not going into it thinking it’s going to feel good, and then when it hurts, I just get angry about it. It’s a broken bone. So, you know, not much I could do besides just say, ‘Screw it, is what it is.’"
The Blue Jays are taking a cautious approach with his recovery. In addition to managing the pain from the fracture, the team is focused on avoiding further injury.
Springer explained to Hollman that the medical staff is particularly mindful of preventing him from compensating for the toe in a way that could lead to strains in other areas, such as the hamstring or calf.
With multiple players already sidelined, the team is eager to eventually reintegrate a fully healthy Springer. Even though it’s still early in the season, his eagerness to return hasn’t diminished.
"The goal is, if I can go out and I feel like I can be myself. That's obviously the goal," Springer said. "I mean, the good news is, yeah, it is April, but that doesn't matter to me. I want to play and I want to be out there with the guys. I have a one-speed and I understand that, so I got to be able to do a little bit more than [today]."
Springer chomping at the bit to return, Schneider on a smart recovery process
Blue Jays manager John Schneider described Springer’s condition as day-to-day, adding that Thursday’s off-day will give him more time to recover before any decision is made about a potential weekend return.
"It was just kind of like straight-line stuff," Schneider said of the running drills. "I think, again, just kind of like each day, we’ll see. You can always kind of tell with George and his mood too, and he seems like he’s not that frustrated, so I think it was OK."
Even while on the injured list, Springer has stayed engaged from the dugout, remaining an active presence during games.
Though he’s eager to get back on the field, he understands the importance of balancing that desire with a smart recovery process.
"I obviously want to play, but I got to be smarter at the same time," Springer said. "So it's kind of one of those where I get a little antsy, but I have to trust the medical staff and I trust them wholeheartedly.”
While a return as early as Friday is still being considered, Springer is managing the mental side of being sidelined by staying involved with his teammates and contributing in any way he can.
“Just be as present as I possibly can," Springer said. "If anybody needs something, I’m here. I obviously would prefer to play, but I think my job is do what I can do, help anybody that I can. If they need me to look at something or whatever the case, I will. I’d rather be playing, but this is the hat I got to wear for now, so I’ll do that."
Today Eric Lauer (1–3, 7.13 ERA) is set to start for Toronto against José Soriano (5–0, 0.28 ERA) for the Angels. First pitch is at 3:07 PM ET on Sportsnet and the Fandual Network.
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