Blue Jays' Springer returns vs. Marlins after missing last 44 games

The Toronto Blue Jays have activated outfielder George Springer off the injured list, the club announced Tuesday.

Springer will hit fifth and play center field in Tuesday's game against the Miami Marlins. It will be the first time he plays outfield in a Blue Jays uniform and his first major-league game since May 2.

The three-time All-Star has missed 44 straight games and played only four out of 70 Blue Jays contests this year, hitting two homers in 18 plate appearances. He signed a six-year, $150-million contract with Toronto this offseason.

"First, he hasn't played in two-and-a-half months, and we've got to get him going," Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said of the decision to hit Springer fifth, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. "The other factor is the first four guys in the lineup are tops in the AL in hits. The other four guys are having All-Star years."

Springer, 31, appeared in five rehab games with Triple-A Buffalo this past week.

The Blue Jays also activated right-hander Jacob Barnes, whom they acquired from the New York Mets over the weekend. Toronto optioned first baseman Rowdy Tellez and outfielder Jonathan Davis to Triple-A in corresponding roster moves.