Blue Jays place George Springer on IL with elbow inflammation

The Toronto Blue Jays placed outfielder George Springer on the 10-day injured list Saturday due to right elbow inflammation. The move is retroactive to Aug. 5.

Springer had been in and out of the lineup since the All-Star break and played in just one game since July 31. He often appeared to be in pain after swinging his bat or making a throw from the outfield in recent weeks.

Blue Jays interim manager John Schneider says the team is hopeful Springer's stint on the IL will be short, potentially even just the 10-day minimum. Springer will receive an anti-inflammatory shot in his right elbow within the next 24 hours.

The 32-year-old is in his second season with Toronto after signing a six-year, $150 million contract in 2021. He has battled through a series of injuries during his tenure with the club, with the elbow issue his latest ailment. Springer played in just 78 games last season because of separate oblique and quad problems.

Springer has produced at a good clip when healthy, and is slashing .251/.331/.464 with 18 home runs this season. He was named to the American League All-Star team but opted to skip the festivities to manage his body.

With Springer out of the lineup, the Blue Jays will likely turn to trade deadline acquisition Whit Merrifield as their primary centre-fielder, with Raimel Tapia also figuring to see some action there. Springer's absence also leaves Schneider with a hole in the leadoff spot. Merrifield topped the batting order on Friday while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. held the distinction on Saturday.

Otto Lopez was called up to take Springer's spot on the 26-man roster. The 23-year-old has spent time with the major-league club over the past two seasons but has only appeared in two total games. He's hitting .267 with a .780 OPS through 61 games with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons in 2022.

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