The 36-year-old is set to start in left field for the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday against the Chicago White Sox. It’s his first appearance in the outfield this season, and his first time not playing as the designated hitter.
Springer has played 66 games this year (64 starts), all from the DH spot, holding a .218/.303/.374 slashline in that span for nine homers and 22 RBI. Last year, he made 82 appearances at DH, while also splitting time between right field (44 games), left field (12) and centre field (11). Manager John Schneider has primarily relied on the duo of Davis Schneider and Jonathan Clase in the LF spot for most of the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, backup catcher Brandon Valenzuela will slot in at DH for Springer on Friday, with the rookie having slashed .241/.322/.407 through 57 games this season. He’s recorded seven homers and 20 RBI in that span.
As for the Blue Jays, Friday’s tilt marks the team’s first game back after the all-star break, as they aim to make a push out of last place in the AL East. It’ll be the first of a three-game weekend series, all in Toronto.
Spencer Miles is set to take the mound for the first pitch at 7:15 p.m. ET / 4:15 p.m. PT, against a surprisingly stout White Sox team that enters Friday tied for first place in the AL Central.