The hits just keep on coming for the Blue Jays.
Just not the ones they’d want.
George Springer exited Saturday’s game against the Twins with a left big toe fracture, the team announced.
The four-time All-Star, facing Twins starter Joe Ryan in the third inning, fouled a ball off his foot but remained in the at-bat to ground out to first base.
Playing as the designated hitter, Springer was not officially removed from the game until the sixth inning when Myles Straw entered as a pinch hitter.
Springer, a Silver Slugger winner a year ago, is off to a slow start this year, going 10-for-54 (.185 average) with two homers and six RBIs. It’s not yet clear if the fracture will lead to an injured list stint.
Toronto has been badly bitten by the injury bug early this season. Starter Cody Ponce, signed over after a strong stint in the KBO, tore his ACL while trying to field his position and is now out for the year after needing knee surgery.
Catcher Alejandro Kirk took a foul ball off his thumb behind the dish and suffered a fracture, putting him on the shelf. Infielder Addison Barger was also shut down from baseball activities as he deals with ankle woes.
On top of all this, starters Shane Bieber and Jose Berrios — who are both dealing with elbow issues — have not yet pitched this season. The same goes for playoff hero Trey Yesavage, whose shoulder had kept him off the field.
In all, it’s led to a mediocre start for the defending American League champs, who sit at 6-7.
