George Springer returns to Blue Jays outfield for first time this season

TORONTO — George Springer is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays outfield for the first time this season.

The 36-year-old Springer started in left field on Friday night as Toronto opened up a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Springer was put in the outfield instead of playing as the designated hitter to optimize Toronto’s lineup against White Sox starter Anthony Kay, who’s left-handed.

Brandon Valenzuela, the Blue Jays’ backup catcher, was the DH on Friday.

“It’s not going to be every day. I think that (Springer’s) at the point where he’s comfortable DHing, and he’s not that young, so we don’t want to run him out there and kill him,” said Schneider pre-game. “But I think to use our whole roster a little bit differently, put him out there a couple times every couple weeks and rotate the DH spot through some other guys.”

Springer’s played in 66 games this season, all of them as DH. He’s hitting .218 with nine home runs, 22 runs batted in and six stolen bases over that span.

Daulton Varsho started in centre field with playing Myles Straw in right. Schneider said that switch-hitting Jonatan Clase was also an option to start in the outfield over Springer.

“I think after the all-star break, I want to get (Springer) out there a little bit and use that spot accordingly,” said Schneider. “It could have went either way today.

“Not saying it’s going to be one of the catchers every single day for sure, but I think after the break and well rested and all that kind of stuff, today was a good day for it.”

It’s expected that the Rogers Centre’s dome will be closed for the game due to poor air quality in Toronto.

Schneider also had an extensive update on the many injured Blue Jays players after the four-day all-star break.

Outfielder Jesus Sanchez (right ankle sprain) and relief pitcher Yimi Garcia (elbow surgery) will hit and throw in live sessions on Saturday. Schneider said that he expects they are the closest to returning to Toronto’s major league roster.

Veteran starting pitcher Max Scherzer (back spasms) had three cortisone shots in his thumb earlier in the week. He could throw off a mound over the weekend, depending on how he responds to them.

Outfielder/DH Anthony Santander also received a cortisone shot in his left shoulder as he continues to recover from labral surgery.

Right-fielder Addison Barger is still inactive as he tries to heal from right elbow inflammation and a back stress reaction.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2026.

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press