Toronto Blue Jays star outfielder George Springer will not play for at least a few days as he deals with a Grade 2 oblique strain, general manager Ross Atkins said Tuesday.
Springer underwent an MRI after experiencing mild oblique tightness, which revealed the injury.
Oblique muscles run alongside a person’s abdominal muscles, and are responsible for core control and rotation. There are three grades of strains. Grade 2 is considered a moderate strain in which muscle fibers have been stretched beyond their limits, but not to the point of completely tearing.
Springer, whose six-year, $150-million contract with the Blue Jays this off-season was the largest free-agent deal in franchise history, may still be able to play by opening day.
The 31-year-old hit .265/.359/.540 with 14 home runs last season with the Houston Astros.
Toronto’s season begins on April 1 in New York against the Yankees.
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