‘There’s a chance’ George Springer could return to the Blue Jays on Wednesday, manager says

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This article was published 24/08/2021 (1522 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A day after saying he did not want to speculate about whether or not George Springer would be back in the Blue Jays lineup when he is eligible to come off the injured list Wednesday, manager Charlie Montoyo gave fans a glimmer of hope for an unexpectedly early return.

“There’s a chance, yeah,” Montoyo said Tuesday about the centre-fielder, who is recovering from a Grade 1 knee sprain. “I don’t know how high the chance is but there’s always a chance. He feels good right now so we’ll see how he feels (Wednesday) after everything he did today.”

Springer’s pre-game activities on Tuesday included simulated running of the bases on the edge of the infield dirt, seemingly progressing from Monday’s workout, which largely focused on running in straight lines.

One thing is for sure: When Springer does return to the game, it will be for the Jays. Montoyo said Springer will not be sent out on a rehab assignment before rejoining his teammates.

Also on the mend: Right-handed reliever Joakim Soria, acquired via trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July’s deadline day for two players to be named later, “felt fine” after throwing live batting practice to Springer on Monday and could be activated in the next couple of days, Montoyo said. Soria has pitched just one inning for the Jays to date. He posted a 4.30 ERA in 29 1/3 innings for the Diamondbacks before the swap.

Catcher Danny Jansen, who suffered a hamstring strain in a game against the Boston Red Sox on July 21, started a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Tuesday, as the team’s designated hitter. Jansen caught Soria in Monday’s live batting practice at Rogers Centre.

A second opinion: Utility man Cavan Biggio, who has been playing for the Bisons since overcoming some mid-back tightness that landed him on the injured list in early August, suffered another setback over the weekend when he injured his left elbow while making a play in the field. The 26-year-old, who struggled at the big-league level this year as he managed various injuries, underwent imaging Monday. Montoyo said Tuesday that Biggio was seeking a second opinion, with more information expected later this week.

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Staying put: The Vancouver Canadians, Toronto’s High-A affiliate, announced Tuesday the team will play the remainder of its games at Ron Tonkin Field in Hillsboro, Ore., where it has spent the season to date, rather than returning to its home turf at Nat Bailey Stadium.

“The safety for our players, staff and fans remains our number one concern,” Canadians president Andy Dunn said in a release. “Coupled with the fact that our season will conclude in less than 30 days, we have made the tough decision to finished the 2021 season in Oregon.”

The Canadians have been playing in Oregon because of COVID-19-related border restrictions.

On the farm: Right-hander Trent Palmer won the Low-A Southeast pitcher of the week award for Aug. 16-22, after throwing a seven-inning no hitter for the Dunedin Blue Jays on Aug. 19 … Canadians first baseman Spencer Horwitz was named the High-A West player of the week for Aug. 17-22, hitting .619 with two home runs and six RBIs in six games.

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