TORONTO โ Just as the Toronto Blue Jays rattled off a couple of wins and made it through a few days without a major injury, designated hitter George Springer left Saturdayโs game against the Minnesota Twins with a left big toe fracture. Springer, who was a crucial part of Torontoโs 2025 offensive success, became the latest Jay injured at the start of the 2026 season.
If Springer lands on the injured list, the teamโs leadoff hitter will become the ninth player to hit the shelf this year. After a slew of pitching injuries arrived in spring, Alejandro Kirk (thumb surgery), Addison Barger (ankles) and Cody Ponce (ACL surgery) have all joined the IL, too. While the Jays havenโt played consistent baseball to begin the season, injuries have only worsened the clubโs slow start.
Springer fouled a pitch off his toe in the bottom of the third inning on Saturday. He collapsed to the ground, waving off Torontoโs training staff as he got back up to finish the at-bat. Three innings later, when the designated hitterโs spot in the order came back up, Myles Straw hit for Springer.
If the Jays need a replacement for Springer, Eloy Jimรฉnez could be a candidate. The former White Sox slugger, who joined the Jays on a minor-league deal, was one of the spring standouts for Toronto. He failed to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, but in his first 11 Triple-A games, Jimรฉnez has hit .257 with a homer and five walks. The Jays, with an open 40-man roster spot, could also promote someone like Yohendrick Pinango or RJ Schreck.
Though Springer entered Saturdayโs contest hitting just .189, replacing him for any amount of time will be no easy task. The 36-year-old earned MVP votes with his resurgent 2025 season and has set the tone as Torontoโs leadoff hitter over the past six seasons. There is no obvious replacement for the top of Torontoโs batting order currently on the roster. Manager John Schneider will have to get creative with lineups, as the Jays continue to work through injuries.
This story will be updated.
