The Toronto Blue Jays recently won two out of three games against the Chicago Cubs, increasing their AL East lead over the Boston Red Sox to five games. However, the team has struggled since losing star outfielder George Springer to injury, posting an 8-8 record since July 28. Once averaging six runs per game before Springer’s injury, the team has had difficulty scoring, only exceeding five runs once in 13 games. Springer's presence is vital not only for his statistics but also for his leadership and emotional support in crucial moments.
Since Springer's head injury back on July 28, Toronto has gone .500 with a pedestrian 8-8 record. Taking away their record-setting onslaught in the series against the Colorado Rockies, their offense hasn't been as explosive, having posted more than five runs in a game only once in the other 13 contests.
Prior to Springer hitting the IL, the Jays were winners in eight of their previous 10 and 17 of their previous 22 matches in July, producing a greater than .773 winning percentage.
Not only that, but Toronto was averaging more than six runs per game in the process. In addition, Springer was red hot at the time, hitting at a .384 clip with a 1.086 OPS, along with a whopping 29 runs scored, eight home runs and 25 RBIs in his last 30 games played.
The impact of Springer goes beyond his numbers. The intangibles that he brings to every game, whether it be his leadership in the field and in the clubhouse, the emotions that he expresses after coming through with clutch plays, are vital for the team.
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