The Toronto Blue Jays have split the first two games of their series with the Tampa Bay Rays as they enter the series finale on Thursday afternoon.
Ahead of the matchup, which will feature right-handed pitcher Shane Bieber on the bump for Toronto and lefty Ian Seymour for the Rays, Blue Jays manager John Schneider made a notable lineup change featuring veteran George Springer, who’s been dealing with what seems to be a lingering shoulder injury that has led him to miss a handful of games over the last two weeks.
Blue Jays Announce Springer Decision
The veteran outfielder was not in the starting lineup for Wednesday night’s game. However, he did make one pinch-hitting appearance late but did not record a hit or get on base.
For Thursday’s finale, though, Schneider has put Springer back into the starting lineup, and he’ll bat cleanup while remaining out defensively as he’s slotted as the team’s designated hitter.
Via Underdog MLB: “Blue Jays 8/20 C. McAdoo 3B D. Cameron LF A. Kirk C G. Springer DH K. Okamoto 1B A. Giménez SS E. Clement 2B M. Straw CF N. Lukes RF S. Bieber SP.”
Blue Jays 8/20
C. McAdoo 3B
D. Cameron LF
A. Kirk C
G. Springer DH
K. Okamoto 1B
A. Giménez SS
E. Clement 2B
M. Straw CF
N. Lukes RFS. Bieber SP
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 20, 2026
Springer’s 2026 Season
It hasn’t been the perfect 2026 campaign for the soon-to-be 37-year-old.
He’s currently in his 13th MLB season and his sixth as a member of the Blue Jays, where he’s appeared in 96 games and logged 356 at-bats. He’s recorded 45 runs, 83 hits, 12 home runs, and 38 RBIs while batting just .233 with a .388 slugging percentage and a .702 OPS.
Blue Jays Right Now
Toronto is 62-66 after losing on Thursday, but they remain firmly in the American League Wild Card picture.
They’re currently just 1.0 game out of a Wild Card spot and will begin a three-game road series against the New York Yankees on Friday in the Bronx.
Toronto Blue Jays Announce George Springer Decision During Rays Series