The first-place Toronto Blue Jays are healing at the right time.
Blue Jays Announce Exciting George Springer, Shane Bieber News Before Rangers Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Toronto Blue Jays are in position to capture their first division title since 2015, but they must finish strong over the next six weeks. However, it's an encouraging sign that they're winning shorthanded.
Outfielder George Springer (concussion), who's slashing .291/.383/.506 with 18 homers and 57 RBI over 101 games this season, hasn't played since getting hit in the head with a pitch on July 28. Toronto is 8-7 since then, good enough to maintain a five-game lead over the Boston Red Sox atop the AL East.
Additionally, Trade Deadline acquisition and former AL CY Young Award-winner Shane Bieber (elbow) has yet to pitch for the Blue Jays as he rehabs from last year's Tommy John surgery. Toronto, though, announced a positive update about both players before Friday's bout with the Texas Rangers, via MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.
"George Springer is going to DH in Triple-A Buffalo tonight, then hop in the car with Shane Bieber and head back to Toronto," he reported. "He’s likely in the Blue Jays' lineup tomorrow if all goes well."
Bieber is also playing in Buffalo on Friday night, via Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling.
"If all goes well for Shane Bieber in his rehab outing tonight with the Buffalo Bisons, his next start will be with the Blue Jays," he reported. "Club isn’t announcing his next start date yet, but wants to keep him relatively on turn. Possibilities are Wednesday in Pittsburgh or Friday in Miami."
George Springer is going to DH in Triple-A Buffalo tonight, then hop in the car with Shane Bieber and head back to Toronto.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 15, 2025
He’s likely in the #BlueJays’ lineup tomorrow if all goes well.
Shane Bieber, George Springer Could Punch Blue Jays' Playoff Ticket
Toronto has plenty of talent outside Bieber and Springer, such as 2025 All-Stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk. There's also shortstop Bo Bichette, who leads the team with 78 RBI and 148 hits; and starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, who is 11th in baseball with a 1.05 WHIP, to name a few.
However, adding in Bieber and Springer at their best could help the Blue Jays not only run away with the AL East but also make a deep postseason run. The latter player is 11th in baseball with an .889 OPS, and the former was an elite hurler before his injury.
There's no guarantee that either player will perform to their full potential upon return, especially right away. Still, their presence alone puts more pressure on the opposition, as it must game-plan for each of them.
Right-handed pitcher Chris Bassit will start for Toronto against fellow right-hander Jacob deGrom at the Rogers Centre on Friday night.
Related: Shane Bieber’s Comments After Blue Jays Trade Will Make Guardians Fans Emotional
Related: Blue Jays' John Schneider Provides George Springer Update After Orioles Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
