Springer Returns to Lead Off Blue Jays – Rays Matchup
George Springer was back in the Blue Jays’ one-hole Tuesday for blue jays – rays, giving Toronto its leadoff bat after he missed time following a hit-by-pitch on the same foot that had previously fractured his big toe. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was out of the starting lineup, so the top of the order changed even as the club tried to steady itself after Monday’s 5-1 loss.
Springer Back at the Top
Springer had appeared in only 18 games this season before Tuesday’s start and was batting.212 with two home runs and seven RBIs. He exited Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins after taking a pitch to the same foot, then sat out Sunday on a planned day off and did not play Monday.
The return came after post-game imaging showed no further damage to the foot. Springer was even in the on-deck circle in the ninth inning Monday before being pulled back after a double play, a small sign that he was close to getting back into the lineup.
Guerrero Jr. Sits Out
Guerrero’s absence was scheduled, and John Schneider said it was a planned day off. The Blue Jays hitter had played in all 35 games before Tuesday, carrying a.331/.416/.431 slash line with two home runs and 16 RBIs.
His recent production had cooled a bit, too. Guerrero was 3-for-17 over his previous four games and had not hit a home run since April 20, so Toronto entered the night with a different look at the top and middle of the order.
Blue Jays Lineup Shift
Brandon Valenzuela made a second straight start behind the plate in place of Tyler Heineman, who was removed from Sunday’s game against the Twins because of a manager’s decision. Kevin Gausman was scheduled to start for Toronto against Tampa Bay right-hander Drew Rasmussen, giving the Blue Jays a familiar arm behind a lineup that had to adjust around Springer and Guerrero.
Toronto needed that adjustment after dropping the series opener 5-1 on Monday. Springer’s return restores one of the team’s few regular leadoff options, and for a club already managing a light workload for him, the bigger concern is keeping the foot stable enough to avoid another interruption.
That is the part Toronto has to handle now: Springer is back, but the Blue Jays still have to decide how often they can keep him in the lineup without pushing the same foot too far.
