Concern Grows for George Springer After Second Straight Absence From Blue Jays Lineup

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed slugger George Springer's season has not gone according to plan. Now in the final year of his six year, $150 million contract signed in 2021, Springer remains an important piece of Toronto's lineup every day. He had a resurgent year in 2025, finishing seventh in American League MVP voting and earning a Silver Slugger Award.

He helped Toronto reach the World Series for the first time in more than three decades, and although the club fell short, expectations remained high for 2026.

However, Springer has not only struggled at the plate, batting just .212 with a .307 on-base percentage and .670 OPS in 18 games, but he also has been unavailable. As a result, the Blue Jays enter Monday two games under .500 and seven games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East.

Springer missed 15 games in April after being hit by a pitch on his left big toe, which caused a fracture. He was activated off the 10-day injured list this past Wednesday.

Unfortunately, he played only four games before reinjuring the same toe. On Saturday, he was drilled in the exact spot by Minnesota Twins pitcher Connor Prielipp and immediately left the game.

X-rays revealed no new structural damage. However, Springer did not play Sunday in the series finale against Minnesota, but manager John Schneider said it was a planned off day regardless of Saturday's incident. That created hope Springer would return for Monday's series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. Toronto announced its lineup, and Springer was absent, with Daulton Varsho stepping in as the designated hitter. Blue Jays fans expressed concern in the comments under the team's post on X.

May The Force be with us tonight! #BlueJays50pic.twitter.com/SXaLYFnifd

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 4, 2026

"No Springer ," wrote one fan.

"So Springer going back on the IL again?" a fan asked.

Another added, "Still no springer? Thought it wasn't anything big."

"Springer ," said one more.

One fan wrote, "Hopefully George is making a speedy recovery!"

The Blue Jays have dealt with numerous injuries early in the year to their position player group beyond Springer. Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger have not played since early April. Toronto may simply be exercising caution with one of its best players, but with the team already in a hole, they cannot afford to lose Springer again.

Related: Blue Jays Receive Alejandro Kirk Injury Update Before Rays Game

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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 1:39 PM.