George

Springer

Alejandro Kirk is DHing tonight. Springer, who went 3-for-4 with a double and a steal against the Rays last night, hasn’t started more than two games in a row in nearly two weeks now and there have been times when it’s looked like he’s playing at considerably less than 100 percent.

Okamoto is DHing tonight, suggesting the knee is still bothering him some. George Springer is taking a seat with Okamoto in his spot.

Springers returns to DH and will hit cleanup after missing a pair of games over the weekend with left shoulder tightness. It doesn’t appear to be a significant concern moving forward.

Springer was scratched from Saturday’s lineup due to tightness in his left shoulder and they’ll give him an extra day to rest on Sunday as well. The expectation is that he’ll once again be available off the bench if needed and he’s still considered day-to-day. Jesus Sanchez will serve as the team’s designated hitter while Myles Straw starts in left field and will bat ninth against Phillies’ left-hander Jesus Luzardo.

Myles Straw replaced him, with Jesús Sánchez switching from left field to DH. Springer is likely day-to-day.

Springer has hit in seven straight games, and he’s at .303 with four homers, 15 RBI and just eight strikeouts in 17 games since coming off the injured list last month. With the way he’s bounced back, he should net the Jays a significant prospect if, as a 10-and-five player, he’s willing to accept a trade.

Springer is 12-for-34 with two homers, eight RBI and just two strikeouts in his last nine games. He’s batting cleanup right now, but since he’s heating up, the Jays could go back to him in the leadoff spot soon.

Springer singled to lead off the second inning, then highlighted a five-run third inning for the Blue Jays with a three-run blast off Sonny Gray. The 36-year-old outfielder is up to 11 homers, 35 runs scored, 30 RBI, and seven steals while hitting .229/.312/.396 across 327 plate appearances. Springer, with an expiring contract, could be a target for a competing team at the deadline.

Springer lined a hot smash to the right of shortstop Ben Williamson to knock in Yohendrick Piñango and put the Blue Jays up 2-1. He’d later add a double, but was stranded on the basepaths. Springer is hitting .237/.286/.407 over this last 15 games with two homers and is probably on the cut line in mixed leagues at this point, but perhaps this will get him going.

The Blue Jays have been careful to mix in off days for Springer in an effort to keep him healthy for the remainder of the season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will serve as the club’s designated hitter in his absence while Sean Keys draws a start at first base and will bat sixth against White Sox’ right-hander Sean Burke on Sunday afternoon in Toronto.