Toronto Blue Jays star outfielder George Springer went hitless in four at-bats in a rehab assignment with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons Tuesday. It was Springer’s first game action since May 2 as he continues to recover from a right quad strain.
Springer, who started the game in centrefield and hit lead-off, was lifted from the game after his fourth at-bat in the fifth inning. Despite his quiet night at the plate, his teammates had a big game as the Bisons lead the Rochester Red Wings 10-1 when Springer left the game.
Springer’s most notable at-bat was his first when he grounded out to third base and nearly beat the throw to first. The speed he showed on that out should be a welcome sign for Blue Jays management and fans, who hope to see Springer back in the majors sooner rather than later.
Wheels look pretty good to us.#BlueJays pic.twitter.com/ZtgdzLKhyy
— Buffalo Bisons(@BuffaloBisons) June 15, 2021
It’s unclear how long Springer will be with the Bisons although the Blue Jays intend for him to return to the majors in the outfield and not as the designated hitter. The Bisons and Red Wings play six consecutive games in Rochester this week, while the Blue Jays are home in Buffalo — a 75 minute drive away from Rochester.
The Blue Jays signed the former World Series MVP to a six-year, $150-million contract in free agency this past winter. He was limited in spring training by an oblique injury then missed the first month of the season with his quad strain, which he re-aggravated after a brief return to the lineup. In four games with the Blue Jays, all in late April and early May, he has two home runs and three RBIs.
[relatedlinks]
