A Toronto Blue Jays regular is starting on the bench yet again.
George Springer is out of the lineup for the second straight day on Wednesday against the Athletics (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 3 p.m. ET / noon PT).
The usual designated hitter is "a little banged up," per manager John Schneider on Wednesday, but is available to come off the bench.
Toronto is aiming to leverage Thursday's off-day to get Springer healthy in time for a critical six-game homestand against the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers beginning Friday, according to Schneider.
Springer, 36, has taken a step back in performance this season, batting .247/.321/.409 with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs. However, he was coming off his best month of the season in August, when he blasted two homers and hit .321.
Alejandro Kirk will slot in at DH instead of Springer as the Blue Jays go for the series victory in West Sacramento, Calif., while Brandon Valenzuela will suit up behind the plate.
The Blue Jays begin the day one game out of the final AL wild-card spot held by the Cleveland Guardians.
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