Chris Bassitt Reflects on Bond with Blue Jays Before Orioles Debut When George Springer opened Thursday’s game by stepping into the batter’s box and sticking out his tongue toward the mound, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Chris Bassitt didn’t even notice. The moment offered a potential camera-ready exchange between former teammates, but Bassitt chose to avoid eye contact with any Toronto Blue Jays players or coaches. “The mistake, at least in the past, that I’ve made is that I’ve tried to make it buddy-buddy and friendly and have fun,” Bassitt told Sportsnet on Friday. “That turns the competition metre off. So, yesterday, I didn’t look at anybody. If I look at them, my love for them will trump the competition side. I was just trying to block out all the emotions of that.” His approach clearly worked, as Bassitt delivered one of his strongest outings of the season, holding the Blue Jays to one run on four hits over six innings during an eventual Orioles loss decided by the bullpen. The Blue Jays’ visit to Oriole Park at Camden Yards for a four-game series provided Bassitt with an opportunity to reconnect with teammates he had formed strong bonds with during his three-year tenure in Toronto. “When I signed there three years ago, I didn’t expect to have the relationship I had with all those people,” Bassitt said. “Didn’t expect to have some of my best friends in the world on that team. Didn’t expect, obviously, to make the run that we did.” His former teammates echoed his sentiments, with Jeff Hoffman calling Bassitt “a huge reason why we were as close as we were last year” and Ernie Clement noting, “We definitely miss him. He was one of our main guys last year. So, it’s a noticeable difference without him.” Bassitt’s impact on the Blue Jays was significant. Last season, he posted a 3.#toronto_blue_jays #baltimore_orioles #george_springer #chris_bassitt #mark_shapiro
Blue Jays: George Springer’s Offensive Struggles in 2026 Go Beyond His Toe Injury George Springer, the veteran right-handed hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays, has faced a significant downturn in his offensive performance this season, raising concerns about his ability to replicate the success he achieved in 2025. After defying Father Time for much of 2025, Springer has looked his age this season. As of May 13, 2026, he was slashing .209/.287/.330 after picking up two hits during Tuesday’s 7-6 extra-innings loss against the Tampa Bay Rays. His numbers have regressed sharply compared to his 2025 season, when he posted a .959 OPS, 32 home runs, and a career-best .399 on-base percentage. The primary issue plaguing Springer is his fractured toe, which has limited his mobility and affected his ability to hit the ball effectively. Hitting a baseball is already challenging when feeling great, but the injury has made it even harder. Despite playing through the pain, his production has not matched his past performance. His hard-hit percentage has dropped from 47.6% in 2025 to 38.8% this season, and his max exit velocity has fallen to 108.8 mph, down from 114 mph the previous year. His average exit velocity has also declined, further highlighting a loss of power. The statistical decline is reflected in his batted ball distribution. Just 16.4% of his batted balls thus far have been line drives, compared to over 25% in 2025. Even more concerning is that he’s popping up balls 13.4% of the time, which would be the highest rate of his career over a full season. This pattern is problematic for a hitter reliant on power, as it reduces the likelihood of producing extra-base hits and damaging rallies. While his swing mechanics have remained largely unchanged, the eye test tells a different story.#2026_season #toronto_blue_jays #tampa_bay_rays #george_springer #fractured_toe
Blue Jays DH George Springer Leaves Game Due to Fractured Left Big Toe Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer exited Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins after sustaining a fractured left big toe. The injury occurred when Springer fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning, though he managed to complete his at-bat by grounding out to third base. He was replaced by Miles Straw in the sixth inning. Springer, entering the game with a .189 batting average and two home runs, had contributed significantly to the Blue Jays’ 2025 World Series run. During the regular season, he hit .309 with 32 home runs and 89 RBIs, including the game-winning home run in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. His performance in the 2025 postseason solidified his role as a key player for the team. The 34-year-old Springer, who was named MVP of the 2017 World Series with the Houston Astros, is in the final season of a six-year, $150 million contract with the Blue Jays. His injury adds to the team’s growing list of sidelined players, as Toronto already has nine athletes on the injured list. Among the affected players are six pitchers and position players, including outfielder Anthony Santander (left shoulder), catcher Alejandro Kirk (left thumb), and outfielder Addison Barger (left ankle). The Blue Jays’ depth issues are compounded by the loss of Springer, who has been a consistent offensive threat throughout his career. His absence could impact the team’s ability to maintain its offensive output, particularly in high-stakes games. Manager John Gibbons will need to rely on his bench and younger players to fill the gap left by Springer’s injury.#toronto_blue_jays #george_springer #minnesota_twins #miles_straw #john_gibbons
Blue Jays' George Springer fractures big toe vs. Twins The Toronto Blue Jays faced another setback in their early-season struggles as designated hitter George Springer sustained a left big toe fracture during Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins. The injury occurred in the third inning when Springer fouled a pitch off his foot, forcing him to be removed from the contest. Springer, who was batting in his second plate appearance of the game, was pinch-hit for by Myles Straw in his next at-bat. The injury adds to a growing list of concerns for the Blue Jays, who have already lost key players to the injured list. Springer, the team’s lead-off hitter, entered the game with a .189/.283/.377 slash line and had contributed two home runs and four RBIs through the season’s early stages. The 36-year-old slugger is coming off a standout 2025 season, during which he earned a Silver Slugger Award. That year, he posted a .309/.399/.560 line with a .959 OPS, ranking second in the American League behind Aaron Judge. His performance last season highlighted his continued value as a power-hitting threat, but his current season has been marked by inconsistency and injury concerns. The injury comes at a critical juncture for the Blue Jays, who are already dealing with significant absences from their lineup. Both Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger are sidelined due to thumb and ankle injuries, respectively. Kirk, a key bat in the middle of the order, has been a steady presence in the lineup, while Barger’s absence leaves a void in the team’s power-hitting options. Springer’s injury further complicens the situation, as he is one of the few players capable of providing consistent offensive production. The Blue Jays’ injury woes extend beyond their hitters.#alejandro_kirk #toronto_blue_jays #george_springer #minnesota_twins #addison_barger
Former Blue Jay Kevin Pillar Shares Expectations for Team in 2026 The Toronto Blue Jays made their first playoff push since 1993 during the 2025 season, but their most iconic playoff runs came during the 2015-2016 era. That roster featured a standout defensive presence in center, left, or right field, a role defined by Kevin Pillar. Over seven seasons with the team, Pillar became a defensive wizard, accumulating a WAR of 14. Now retired, Pillar has returned to the role of spectator, still passionately supporting the franchise that launched his MLB career. Pillar recently shared his thoughts on the Blue Jays’ outlook for 2026, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the team’s return to the postseason. Speaking ahead of the franchise’s opening day matchup against the Athletics, he encouraged fans to embrace the celebration of the season regardless of early results. “The fans have to be really excited for opening day,” he said. “Tomorrow is a celebration, whether they win or lose. They have a lot to be proud of.” The Blue Jays’ offseason spending underscored their commitment to competing for a World Series title in 2026, a goal that has drawn significant attention from analysts and fans alike. However, Pillar acknowledged the challenges of maintaining momentum after a recent playoff run. “The World Series hangover is real, but I don’t think that will hold them back,” he said. Pillar highlighted the pressure the team now faces, comparing it to being “hunted” rather than the hunter. “John Schneider’s initial meeting mentioned George Springer’s quote—this is the first time they’ve really had a bullseye on their back,” he explained. “They’re not the hunter anymore. The challenge is just how difficult it is to get back to the postseason year in and year out.#2026_season #toronto_blue_jays #john_schneider #kevin_pillar #george_springer
