Springer has been dealing with elbow soreness for much of the season, with the injury apparently worsening over the past six weeks. The Jays have often rested Springer or used him as a DH, but given that he’s only played in two of Toronto’s last seven games, it seems as though a full stint on the IL was necessary to allow Springer to fully heal. Over his last 29 games and 130 plate appearances, Springer was hitting a mediocre .226/.310/.409, so his bad elbow clearly seemed to be affecting his production. A healthy Springer is critical to the Blue Jays’ chances of making the postseason and making a deep run into October, so the outfielder and the team can only hope that this IL trip finally fixes the elbow issue. Springer’s injury certainly factored into the Jays’ decision to acquire Whit Merrifield at the trade deadline, and Merrifield now looks to get the most time in center while Springer is out, with Rymel Tapia and backup Bradley Zimmer providing further depth. Lopez could also be in the mix, as center field is one of four positions (along with left field, second base and shortstop) he has played this season at Triple-A Buffalo. Lopez has also hit .267/.357/.424 over 246 PA with the Bisons. MLB Pipeline ranks Lopez as the fourth-best prospect in the Jays farm system, impressed by his speed and hitting, even if Lopez appears to lack power. The 23-year-old has appeared in exactly one MLB game in each of the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
