Toronto Blue Jays Announce Sudden George Springer Change Before Phillies Game

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on after game five of the 2025 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays are scheduled to play the Philadelphia Phillies at 6:05 p.m. EDT on Saturday.

The Blue Jays defeated the Phillies in the first game of the three-game set on Friday night.

Before Saturday’s game, the Blue Jays announced a sudden lineup change involving George Springer.

Toronto Blue Jays Scratch George Springer From Saturday’s Lineup vs. Phillies

GettyTORONTO, CANADA – JULY 17: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays beats out a throw to first base for an RBI single to score in Ernie Clement #22 (not pictured) in the third nning of their MLB game against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre on July 17, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

The Blue Jays scratched Springer from Saturday’s lineup due to left shoulder tightness. He was originally in the lineup as the designated hitter.

The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon wrote on X: “George Springer has been scratched with left shoulder tightness. Straw to LF, Sanchez DH for #BlueJays”

Here is the Blue Jays’ updated lineup for Saturday:

1. Nathan Lukes RF
2. Brett Bateman CF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B
4. Jesus Sánchez DH
5. Ernie Clement 2B
6. Andres Gimenez SS
7. Brandon Valenzuela C
8. Josh Smith 3B
9. Myles Straw LF

GettyTORONTO, ON – JULY 31: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays doubles in the sixth inning during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Rogers Centre on July 31, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Here is the Phillies’ lineup for Saturday:

1. Kyle Schwarber 1B
2. Trea Turner SS
3. Bryce Harper DH
4. Luis Arraez 2B
5. Bryson Stott 3B
6. Brandon Marsh LF
7. Justin Crawford CF
8. Bryan De La Cruz RF
9. Garrett Stubbs C

Looking at Toronto Blue Jays DH George Springer This Season

GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JULY 29: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates after scoring a run against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on July 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Springer, 36, is set to be a free agent after this season. He signed a six-year, $150 million contract with Toronto in Jan. 2021.

This season, Springer is slashing .234/.317/.396 with 12 home runs and 36 RBI over 86 games.

GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JULY 28: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates at home play with Nathan Lukes #38 after hitting a three-run home run in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Toronto Blue Jays Right Now

GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JULY 29: Manager John Schneider #14 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on from the dugout during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The Blue Jays are in last place in the American League East with a 55-62 record. They are 15 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the division.

Toronto is still in the playoff race despite being seven games below .500, as the club is just 3 1/2 games back of the Texas Rangers for the final American League Wild Card spot.