George Springer 'hopeful' for Monday return

George Springer hopes he will return on Monday against the Orioles. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Three-time All-Star outfielder George Springer 'hopeful' for return to Blue Jays' lineup Monday

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/29/21

Blue Jays star George Springer is "hopeful" he will be activated for Monday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

The three-time All-Star outfielder ran sprints before Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers and felt good.

George Springer ran sprints at high intensity before today’s game and told me afterward that he’s hopeful about being activated to play Monday vs. the Orioles in Toronto. @MLB @MLBNetwork @FAN590 @Sportsnet
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 29, 2021

Springer is considered day-to-day with a Grade 1 left knee sprain. He was injured when he ran into the outfield wall while chasing a ball in Seattle on Aug. 14 and hasn't played since.

When the 31-year-old does return to Toronto's lineup, the Blue Jays plan to use him as their designated hitter. The team is currently using Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Randal Grichuk and Teoscar Hernandez in the outfield, in addition to Corey Dickerson.

Before going down with an injury, Springer was one of the hottest players in the American League, earning AL Player of the Week honors two weeks in a row. He's hitting .269/.362/.610 with 16 home runs and 35 RBI in 49 games this season.

The Blue Jays are fourth in the AL East with a 67-61 record, 13.5 games behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays. Toronto is 6.5 games out of a wild-card spot.

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