TORONTO — The Blue Jays will be without star outfielder George Springer when they open the season in New York against the Yankees on Thursday. Manager Charlie Montoyo announced that Springer is headed to the 10-day IL with the Grade 2 left oblique strain he’s been dealing with late in camp.
Springer first underwent an MRI on his oblique after dealing with some inflammation in the area and he was diagnosed with the strain on March 23. This past Monday, Springer had a follow-up MRI that showed improvements, Montoyo said, but the Blue Jays aren’t taking any risks with Springer after he signed a six-year, $150 million contract this past offseason.
“I’m hoping it’s as soon as possible, of course, but we’ve got to go day to day,” Montoyo said. “He’s got to face pitchers in live BPs, and with how he’ll respond from there, then we’ll know more. He’s day-to-day to see how it goes.”
Springer’s IL stint can be backdated to March 29, meaning he’ll miss a minimum of six games to open the season against the Yankees and the Rangers. The 31-year-old is currently with the club in New York and has been able to continue doing “baseball activities” as part of his rehab process.
This news was foreshadowed recently when the Blue Jays added outfielder Jonathan Davis to their Opening Day roster. Davis earned this opportunity with a strong Grapefruit League performance, but now gives the Blue Jays some insurance in the outfield behind starters Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernández and Randal Grichuk.
The Blue Jays will also be without left-hander Robbie Ray to open the season, Montoyo said. Ray bruised his left elbow when he fell down a set of stairs on March 23 and he was already expected to miss at least his first start of the regular season.
With the two opening series off the table for Ray, the Blue Jays will hope to get him back soon after, given how sharp he looked at points in Spring Training. Montoyo expects to have an update on Ray’s elbow and throwing progression in the coming days.