The Toronto Blue Jays will have a marquee reinforcement for the stretch run.
According to TV sports broadcaster Hazel Mae, the Jays will get outfielder George Springer back from the injured list for tonight’s game.
“As expected, George Springer comes off the IL and will be active tonight vs Orioles,” Mae tweeted.
As expected, George Springer comes off the IL and will be active tonight vs Orioles pic.twitter.com/hDd7MGFTOy
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) August 15, 2022
The series is incredibly important and has clear playoff implications: the Blue Jays are currently second in the AL East division with a 61-52 record and want to put some ground between them and the Baltimore Orioles.
The O’s, however, are not the embarrassment they were last season.
In fact, the Orioles are, against all odds, fighting for a spot on the playoffs.
Yes: with a 59-55 record, the O’s are fourth in the East and are just 2.5 games behind the Blue Jays before Monday’s games.
Springer Is Ready To Return
With a sweep, Baltimore could overtake the Jays in the standings, so naturally, Toronto would love to have Springer back if he is healthy.
Every report indicates that he is.
With a .251 batting average, 59 runs, 18 home runs, 49 RBI, 10 stolen bases and a .795 OPS, Springer has been one of the best and most productive hitters in the Jays’ lineup.
He has been suffering from right elbow inflammation on and off for the whole season, and recently battled a bout of it in early August.
He will return to the top of Toronto’s lineup for the pivotal series that starts tonight.
Despite trading two of their best players in Trey Mancini and Jorge Lopez around the deadline, Baltimore has remained competitive and winning games.
Even if they fail to make it this year, they are well-positioned to make a run at the playoffs next season.
