George Springer Likely Suffered Forearm Strain, May Not Need IL Stint

The Blue Jays are hoping that a day off on Thursday will give star centerfielder time to recover from lingering elbow discomfort that forced him out of Tuesday's 12-inning loss and required an MRI. 

George Springer Injury Update

Based on his injury progression and limitations the ProBaseballDocs believe that Springer likely suffered a muscle or tendon strain in his right forearm or elbow and not any ligament sprain. 

The 32-year-old will likely need a short rest and a PRP injection to recover but he may not need to go to the IL according to the Docs. 

Springer has an SIC health score of 81 for the rest of the season with an expectation from the Docs that the injury may linger and require missed time. 

Springer has been dealing with the soreness for a few weeks, according to Charlie Montoya, especially exacerbated by swings-and-misses.

Elbow soreness is always concerning – although less so for position players – because it is often a symptom of ligament damage, specifically to the UCL. 

The soreness reached a tipping point on Tuesday during an at-bat in the fourth inning. Springer was flexing his right arm or grimacing after every pitch and left the contest afterwards. 

He has struggled recently at the plate, going 2-26 with one home run and 10 strikeouts over his last seven games, but remained the starting centerfielder. 

This indicates a muscle or tendon injury as opposed to ligament, as a UCL tear impacts throwing, not batting, as with Bryce Harper. 

Overall this season, Springer is batting .260 with an .823 OPS, 13 home runs, 26 extra-base hits, 40 runs, and 34 RBI. He has missed five games while suffering several injury scares for the 39-30 Blue Jays.