Blue Jays hope George Springer’s return sparks a September to remember

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This article was published 30/08/2021 (1514 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ross Atkins isn’t counting the Blue Jays out, and the return of George Springer for Monday night’s opener of a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles strengthened the general manager’s case.

“We feel good about the team,” Atkins said. “We feel good about the shape of the organization and feel that we have enough season left to really make a good run …

“We’ve yet to have a time where all things have been happening for this team. Very confident that it’s in our future, and certainly hopeful that it starts sooner than (later) to increase those chances.”

Getting Springer back should certainly help. The 31-year-old centre-fielder suffered a knee sprain on Aug. 14 when he ran into the wall trying to make at catch against the Seattle Mariners, and it was initially feared he could be sidelined for much longer than 13 games. He returned to the lineup as the designated hitter in the leadoff spot and delivered a single, a walk, was hit by a pitch and scored twice in a 7-3 victory.

Josh Palacios was optioned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons to make room on the roster.

“I think there is a lot to be said for having different approaches in your lineup and having a little bit more balance to it — not just necessarily right-handed, left-handed but how many pitches they’re seeing, what type of pitch types can be used to attack certain hitters,” Atkins said.

“George is a proven, very professional (hitter) with plate discipline and elite ability to swing at pitches he can drive, so that will be a big add to the lineup for sure.”

Atkins acknowledged the club’s struggles with runners in scoring position since a 9-2 run in late July and early August. He chalked it up to players hitting a lull at the same time, and said slumps are “magnified” because of where the team sits in the standings — fourth in the American League East with several teams ahead of them in the wild-card race — after a hot start to the season at the plate.

The Jays’ run differential — plus-114 going into Monday — remains a reason for optimism. They’ve gone just 21-29 in games decided by one or two runs, and the differential suggests they’re overdue for more success in close contests.

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Along with Springer, catcher Danny Jansen (hamstring) is ready to return to the lineup, but the Jays plan to wait until rosters expand to 28 on Wednesday. The club might carry three catchers — along with Alejandro Kirk and Reese McGuire — and Jansen’s return could be a boost for starter Hyun-Jin Ryu, who has posted a 5.45 ERA in 38 innings without his primary catcher.

Atkins was also optimistic that super-utility man Cavan Biggio (elbow) will return before season’s end. As for relievers Nate Pearson and Julian Merryweather, the GM said both feel strong after injury-riddled seasons but their command still needs work.

The timing of Springer’s return to centre field remains uncertain, although he looked unbothered running the bases: pulling off a double steal with Jarrod Dyson in the third inning, then seemingly encouraging third-base coach Luis Rivera to give him the green light to score from second if there’s a chance.

“It’s the point in the season where we’ll take the DH at-bats in that progression … and then we’ll just go a day at a time, in making sure that the recovery’s there,” Atkins said. “Then we can do drill work … (and) once we know that he’s symptoms free with those movements, then we can move toward that next step.”

Laura Armstrong is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @lauraarmy