Springer's toe fractured by foul ball, will undergo CT scan

The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that George Springer fractured his left big toe during today's game against the Minnesota Twins, delivering another setback to a team already plagued by injuries this new season.

In the third inning, Springer fouled a ball off his left foot, immediately collapsing in pain, but consistent with his typical approach, he promptly rose and finished the plate appearance. However, when his turn in the batting order came up again, Myles Straw emerged from the dugout to pinch-hit. After the Blue Jays lost 7-4, Springer was undergoing a CT scan for a more comprehensive diagnosis, which will determine whether he needs to enter the injured list and the potential length of his absence.

“The CT scan results will confirm the next steps. I know George often plays through injuries,” manager John Schneider said, “Hopefully it's good news, but it depends on the CT results.”

We have seen Springer foul balls off his foot, ankle, and knee countless times before, but the new season feels jinxed. The Blue Jays' injury luck is among the worst in the major leagues, starting from the pitching rotation and now spreading to the lineup.

It all began in spring training, with Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos starting the season on the injured list, followed by Yimi García and Anthony Santander joining them. Subsequently, Cody Ponce underwent knee surgery and may be out for the season; Alejandro Kirk fractured his left thumb; Addison Barger injured both ankles during a defensive play.

The Blue Jays built impressive roster depth before the season, but a team's capacity to withstand setbacks is limited.

“Early in the season, I often say there will always be such things. There will be ups and downs, there will be injuries,” Schneider said, “Once we start saying ‘I'm so unlucky,’ ‘We're so unlucky,’ or ‘Why us,’ things can really spiral. Obviously, we are missing some key players. I tell the guys, don't say those things, but ask ‘What's next?’”

If Springer needs to miss any time, there are many candidates to replace him, as Springer primarily serves as the Blue Jays' designated hitter and rarely plays in the outfield.

This could open the door for more playing time for Tyler Fitzgerald, especially against left-handed pitchers, an opportunity that has been scarce since his recent addition to the team. Of course, it also means more opportunities for Jesús Sánchez and Davis Schneider, who remain bright spots despite the overall lineup's early struggles. However, who will fill Springer's roster spot?

Outfielder Jonatan Clase is the only remaining hitter on the 40-man roster, but he is also on the injured list. In AAA Buffalo, Eloy Jiménez has started strong; he was one of the Blue Jays' best hitters during spring training. Throughout March, with Springer as the primary designated hitter and first base occupied by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kazuma Okamoto, there clearly wasn't a spot for Jiménez. However, any absence by Springer might be the opportunity Jiménez needs to get playing time.

Other options in AAA include No. 13 prospect Josh Kasevich, who caught the coaching staff's attention with an excellent spring training but likely needs more regular game experience before being called up. RJ Schreck (No. 9), Yohendrick Pinango (No. 10), and Charles McAdoo (No. 26) are other top prospects in Buffalo's roster, while Carlos Mendoza, Josh Rivera, and Riley Tirotta are also getting regular plate appearances.

The Blue Jays will soon face tomorrow's series finale against the Twins, but at least, they are likely to initially have one player travel with the team to Toronto as a substitute while awaiting Springer's full diagnosis.