Blue Jays Reinstate George Springer, Option Hot-Hitting Joey Loperfido

The Toronto Blue Jays are finally getting one of their most important guys back. George Springer returns to the lineup after missing 16 games with a concussion he suffered right before the trade deadline.

Honestly, the timing couldn’t be better. The Blue Jays have been struggling to score and keep their defense together without him. At 35, Springer’s having a bit of a renaissance—he brings a strong bat, smart baserunning, and that steady veteran presence this team’s been missing.

Springer’s Offensive Revival

Last season wasn’t pretty for Springer. He hit just .220 and put up his lowest WAR yet.

This year, though, he’s flipped the script. Springer’s carrying a .893 OPS, second-best on the Blue Jays behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. His bat’s been a real engine for the offense, and the team’s run production clearly dipped while he was out.

Toronto’s Bats Missed His Spark

During Springer’s absence, Toronto went 9–7. That record doesn’t really show the whole picture, though.

Take away that wild series in Colorado, and the Jays averaged just 3.6 runs over 13 games. It’s no wonder there’s some urgency to get Springer back in his usual leadoff spot.

Impact Beyond the Box Score

Springer’s value isn’t just in the numbers. He brings an aggressive, smart style on the bases that’s become part of Toronto’s identity.

Without him, the team slid into the league’s bottom third in baserunning. Manager John Schneider keeps saying those extra bases and good reads can flip a close game the other way.

Defensive Struggles Without Him

The stats are pretty stark—since Springer’s injury, Toronto has landed last in Major League Baseball in defensive metrics. He often takes the designated hitter spot to stay healthy, but he’s still able to jump into the outfield and give the team some much-needed flexibility.

Even if he’s not out there in the field, just having him in the dugout or clubhouse seems to calm the younger guys down.

Leadership That Can’t Be Replaced

Everybody—coaches, teammates—talks about Springer’s baseball IQ and work ethic. He sets the tone, plain and simple.

He’s a communicator, a motivator, and he gets how long and weird a baseball season can be. Schneider mentioned Springer pushed hard to get back on the field, which says a lot about how much he wants in on this playoff chase.

The Roster Move: Loperfido Sent Down

To make space, the Blue Jays sent rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido back to the minors. Loperfido hit .358 over 30 games and made a strong impression.

Still, with the roster crunch, he was the odd man out. Schneider called it “undeserved” and said Loperfido might be back as soon as September—or even earlier if someone gets hurt.

What Springer’s Return Means for the Stretch Run

The Jays are in a heated playoff race, and getting their veteran spark plug back might be just what they need. Springer’s return could patch up three big holes that showed up while he was gone:

• Run production: Putting a proven on-base threat back at leadoff.
• Baserunning: Bringing back some fire and smart moves on the bases.
• Leadership: Offering poise and direction when things get tense.

Looking Ahead

If Springer’s hot bat carries into the final weeks, Toronto could finally see the offensive spark they’ve been missing. He works deep counts and creates scoring chances, sure, but it’s those clutch moments that might actually tip the scales for the Blue Jays.

Springer’s return isn’t just about one guy coming back from the injured list. It’s about bringing back that gritty, energetic vibe this team feeds off—both at the plate and in the clubhouse.

 
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