DUNEDIN, Fla.鈥Blue Jays manager John Schneider began spring training by saying the everyday lineup is an open book, and that doesn’t appear to be an issue for George Springer.
Springer has spent almost his entire career hitting first. He’s played 1,305 games across 11 major-league seasons and batted out of the top spot in more than 1,000. Only Rickey Henderson (81) has hit more leadoff homers than Springer’s 60.
When the 35-year-old Springer was in his prime, batting first made sense. It’s far less logical after he hit .220 with a .674 on-base plus slugging percentage, well below average, in 2024. The lack of production could lead to someone else getting a chance to bat first this spring. If that happens, Springer says he won’t have any complaints.
“My job is to do whatever I can to help us win,” said Springer, who has two years and about $48.3 million (U.S.) left on his contract. “Whether that’s first, second, third, fifth, fourth, I don’t care. I’m going to be the same guy. I’m going to be the hitter I know how to be and I’ll do anything to help us win, so I’m excited about it.”
The fact that the 海角社区官网slugger聽isn’t locked up with an extension right now rests entirely on Edward Rogers himself. He put his faith in the
The fact that the 海角社区官网slugger聽isn’t locked up with an extension right now rests entirely on Edward Rogers himself. He put his faith in the
Jays leadoff hitters ranked 27th last season with a .296 on-base percentage. Springer started 101 games out of that spot, but also batted fourth, fifth, sixth and even seventh.
If Springer is moved, which isn’t guaranteed, Schneider mentioned rookie Will Wagner and second baseman Andr茅s Gim茅nez as players who could be in line for a promotion.
Jays on Sportsnet
Sportsnet announced Wednesday morning that it will broadcast 23 spring training games, including all 16 Jays home dates, starting Saturday afternoon with the opener against the New York Yankees. There will also be seven broadcasts throughout spring that are picked up from other networks.
The main broadcast crew from last season remains intact. Dan Shulman is set to return as the primary play-by-play voice with lead analysis from Buck Martinez and Joe Siddall. Jamie Campbell will continue to host 鈥淏lue Jays Central鈥 alongside Siddall, Caleb Joseph and Madison Shipman.
Once a softball star at the University of Tennessee, Shipman has brought her expertise to Blue Jays Central and Sportsnet鈥檚 radio broadcasts.
Once a softball star at the University of Tennessee, Shipman has brought her expertise to Blue Jays Central and Sportsnet鈥檚 radio broadcasts.
Injury updates
Reliever Erik Swanson threw 10 pitches off a mound for the first time this spring. He had been shut down after experiencing right forearm fatigue. The 31-year-old right-hander is expected to repeat his bullpen at least a few more times before he’s a candidate to throw live batting practice ... Triple-A starter Adam Macko was in Cleveland on Wednesday getting his injured left knee evaluated. He had soreness and swelling following a recent bullpen, and an MRI later revealed what was believed to be a torn meniscus. The Jays are expected to have a full update later in the week.
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