George Springer goes deep twice, scores three runs and has three hits

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The Blue Jays donned their baby blue uniform following two games when the team was left singing the blues.

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For the uninitiated, the attire, which is accented in navy blue, is a nostalgic look for those who remember the teams of the past that donned similar threads in a re-imagined version of the original classic.

Longing for much better days, the air of nostalgia seemed quite appropriate when a handful of the current roster may not be around as changes await.

In Sunday’s series finale against the Detroit Tigers, who led 3-0 en route to a 5-4 win Friday night and then pasted the home side to the tune of 7-3, the Jays’ veteran group showed the way.

Jr. Jays Sunday had a different feel, a feel-good day for the Blue Jays, who avoided getting swept following their 5-4 win.

One bad inning aside, Kevin Gausman, who made his first start in 10 days, was good in providing the Jays with 6.2 innings.

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George Springer was better than good, evoking memories when he was among the game’s elite players, while Justin Turner scored the go-ahead run. Springer scored three runs and knocked in three runs by hitting two home runs.

In the end, the Tigers did give the Jays a run for their money. Detroit had runners at first and second with one out in the eighth inning.

A perfectly timed leap at the warning track in left field by Daulton Varsho prevented the Tigers from tying the game. A pop out ended the inning as a collective sigh of relief was palpable.

It should be noted the Jays started the game with Davis Schneider in left. A late defensive switch, in other words, did pay off for the Blue Jays.

By this time, it was Green Day as Chad Green, who made the key pitches to get the Jays out of trouble in the eighth, was asked to seal the deal in the ninth inning.

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Another big Rogers Centre crowd stood in unison to support Green, who earned the save as Gausman got the win.

Fittingly, it was Springer who made the final out when he secured a fly ball.

SPRINGER DINGERS

It was quite the afternoon for Springer in general, but in particular the first inning.

On the game’s very first pitch, Wenceel Perez turned on a centre-cut fastball and drilled it into right field. Springer had trouble picking up the ball.

As a result, Springer had to make a leaping catch a few feet short of the wall.

Once the side was retired in order, the Jays took their swings in the box.

Springer led off Toronto’s at-bats with a no-doubt home run that landed in the seats in left-centre.

For Springer, it was his 12th dinger of the season, second of the series after he went yard Friday night and his first leadoff homer in 2024.

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On baseball’s career list, only the legendary Rickey Henderson (81) has recorded more leadoff homers than Springer (58). During his seven-year run with the Houston Astros, Springer hit 39 leadoff home runs.

In the third inning against the Tigers, Springer went deep for a two-run blast as the Jays extended their lead to 3-0.

In keeping with the numbers theme, it marked the 23th-career time Springer had recorded a multi-homer game.

Not bad for someone whom fans of the Blue Jays were more than willing to drive out of town.

For the record, only Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (16) has hit more home runs than Springer (13) this season for the Blue Jays.

Springer’s resurgence at the plate may entice a contending team to inquire as the trade deadline approaches.

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The main stumbling block can be summed up in one figure — the $50 million owed Springer in the final two years beyond this season.

The Jays broke the bank when they gave the former World Series MVP a six-year deal worth $150 million, all in U.S. figures, of course.

Springer’s defence has never come under question, whether he’s been raking or struggling.

Take for instance the long run he made in the fifth inning when Springer caught Gio Urshela’s fly ball in foul territory, a play few outfielders would have executed.

One inning later, Springer sprinted out of the box and turned a single into a double when he made a head-first slide to avoid the tag at second base.

He then came around to score as the Jays tied the game, 4-4.

BO FALLOUT

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With Bo Bichette not expected to be back any time soon, the Jays will showcase Leo Jimenez at shortstop.

Sunday marked the seventh start for Jimenez at the high-profile position. He has also started at second base.

When Jimenez, a touted prospect, was called up by the big-league club earlier this month, it was viewed by many as the first domino in a push to go younger. In reality, he was called up when Isiah Kiner-Falefa hurt his knee during the pre-game warmups.

IKF’s return date is any time between the middle of next month or late August.

Bichette will miss multiple weeks following his latest calf injury, officially diagnosed as a moderate strain.

No Bo, no IKF, but plenty of Jimenez moving forward.

At least the Blue Jays can evaluate Jimenez on the big-league stage. The kid has shown he isn’t overwhelmed or overmatched.

Against the Tigers, Jimenez had Ernie Clement to his right at third base, Spencer Horwitz to the left at second base.

At first base, it was Turner getting the start on a day when Vlad Jr. served as DH.

By game’s end, Horwitz was at first base, Schneider at second and Kevin Kiermaier inserted in centre field.

Jimenez went 0-for-4 at the plate as did Danny Jansen, the only two players in the starting lineup who did not record a hit on an afternoon when the Jays produced a total of 11.

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