Blue Jays' $150M Man, George Springer, Finally Activated

 

He's not the high-leverage late-inning reliever the Toronto Blue Jays desperately need, but George Springer's long-awaited return to the active roster is finally upon us. He will be in the lineup Tuesday night, playing center field and batting...(drum roll, please)... 5th. Springer himself told manager Charlie Montoyo that the red-hot top of the order shouldn't be disturbed, for now.

George Springer told Charlie Montoyo that Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette & Vlad Guerrero Jr. deserve to stay atop #BlueJays’ batting order the way they’re hitting. Montoyo hinted Sunday that Jays could ease Springer back in by batting 5th or 6th instead of his typical leadoff spot.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) June 22, 2021

Normally a leadoff hitter, there had been much discussion over where Springer should fit back into the lineup, with the way the top 3 have been raking. 

Springer just completed a 5-game rehab assignment, after missing more than 6 weeks of action with a strained right quadriceps. He told the media today that he's "extremely excited" to be back on the field with the Jays. 

Toronto made a huge splash this past offseason, signing Springer to the largest contract in franchise history, $150 Million for 6 years. But he missed the first few weeks of the season with an oblique injury, then lasted a mere 4 games before going out with the quadriceps strain. 

After a couple of false starts, Blue Jays fans are hoping that the George Springer Era in Toronto is back on, for good.

Photo Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports