Blue Jays' Springer fractures big toe
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer was removed from Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins after fracturing his left big toe, the team announced.
Springer suffered the injury when he fouled a ball off his left foot in the third inning. Although he finished the at-bat, he was lifted for pinch hitter Myles Straw in the sixth as his diagnosis was being announced.
George Springer had to leave the game with a left toe fracture after fouling a pitch off his foot in the third inning pic.twitter.com/esUbWUhMC5
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 11, 2026
The team did not provide a firm timetable for his return and didn't definitively state if he'd need to be placed on the injured list.
"He's getting (a) CT scan right now," manager John Schneider said following the Blue Jays' 7-4 loss, according to Sportsnet's Hazel Mae. Schneider added: "Initial X-ray on left big toe showed a probable small fracture. I'll get in touch with him after the game."
Springer's injury is yet another blow to the reigning AL champions, who've been decimated by injuries to start the 2026 season. Catcher Alejandro Kirk and outfielder Addison Barger landed on the IL last weekend, while right-hander Cody Ponce tore his ACL in his first outing and is likely done for the year. Additionally, outfielder Anthony Santander, starting pitchers José Berríos, Shane Bieber, and Trey Yesavage, and reliever Yimi García all began their seasons on the IL.
Springer won a Silver Slugger at DH last year, and the Blue Jays were counting on him to keep serving as a stabilizing presence out of the leadoff spot in 2026. He put up a .660 OPS with two homers, six RBIs, and eight walks in 62 plate appearances before the injury.
The 36-year-old is in the final season of a six-year, $150-million contract with Toronto.
If Springer's out long term, former Silver Slugger winner Eloy Jiménez stands out as a potential replacement. The 29-year-old last appeared in the majors in 2024 and is hitting .257/.372/.371 with Triple-A Buffalo. Other potential replacements at Triple-A could include prospects RJ Schreck, Yohendrick Pinango, and Charles McAdoo.