In what has become a signature performance for the ever-reliable George Springer, the Blue Jays veteran outfielder launched two home runs last night at Rogers Centre, powering Toronto to a much-needed 7-3 victory over the visiting Oakland Athletics. The win, however, came with a concerning cost as Daulton Varsho exited with what appeared to be a significant leg injury.
Springer, who has been heating up considerably over the past two weeks, connected for a solo shot in the third inning that sailed into the second deck in left field. He followed that with an even more impressive blast in the sixth that had teammates in the dugout visibly energized.
“When George gets locked in like this, he changes our entire offensive dynamic,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider told me after the game. “He’s seeing the ball extremely well right now, and that veteran leadership becomes contagious in the clubhouse.”
The 34-year-old Springer now has 11 home runs on the season, including five in his last nine games. This surge couldn’t come at a better time for a Blue Jays team that has struggled to find consistent offensive production throughout much of the early season.
The crowd of 27,845 at Rogers Centre erupted for both of Springer’s homers, creating the kind of electric atmosphere that has been somewhat rare during this challenging season. Several fans I spoke with near the Blue Jays dugout expressed that Springer’s performance reminded them of his 2022 All-Star form.
“That’s the George we signed up for,” said longtime season ticket holder Michael Jennings. “When he’s dialed in like tonight, he makes this whole team better.”
The victory improved Toronto’s record to 27-29, keeping them within striking distance in the competitive AL East. Starting pitcher Chris Bassitt worked six solid innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven Athletics batters. The bullpen, which has been inconsistent this season, secured the final nine outs without major incident.
But the win was overshadowed by the concerning sight of Varsho pulling up while running to first base in the fifth inning. The outfielder immediately grabbed his right hamstring and needed assistance leaving the field. The initial diagnosis from the team was described as a hamstring strain, with further evaluation scheduled for tomorrow.
“We’re holding our breath a bit on Varsho,” Schneider admitted. “He’s been such a crucial part of our outfield defense and was starting to find his rhythm at the plate.”
The potential loss of Varsho creates significant challenges for a Blue Jays outfield that was finally finding some stability. Toronto’s front office may need to explore depth options if the injury proves serious, something general manager Ross Atkins hinted at during a brief conversation in the hallway after the game.
On a more positive note, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued his steady production with two hits and an RBI, while Bo Bichette added a double and scored twice. The middle of Toronto’s order has shown encouraging signs over the past week, coinciding with the team winning four of their last six games.
The series continues tomorrow afternoon with Yusei Kikuchi scheduled to take the mound for the Blue Jays. The Athletics will counter with their promising young right-hander Luis Medina.
For Springer, tonight’s performance represented exactly what the Blue Jays envisioned when they signed him to a significant contract before the 2021 season. When healthy and locked in, he remains one of the most dynamic leadoff hitters in baseball.
“I’m just trying to put good swings on good pitches,” Springer told reporters in the clubhouse. “Nothing complicated about it. See ball, hit ball, and try to contribute to wins.”
As Toronto continues navigating this critical homestand, they’ll need more performances like tonight’s from their veteran leaders while hoping for positive news regarding Varsho’s injury status. The next few days could prove pivotal in determining whether this Blue Jays team can genuinely contend in 2025.
