(Dunedin) Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer was true to form at team camp Tuesday, joking with his teammates as preparations for the season kick off.
After an injury-plagued 2022 season, Springer feels invigorated and healthy after undergoing surgery to remove a bone fragment from his right elbow.
“I feel good and I’m really happy about it,” Springer said. It feels good to feel good. I quickly understood that it was difficult to play baseball with an injured arm. I’m just glad I got through it and was able to contribute in some way. »
Springer is batting .267 with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs.
“When he’s at 100 percent, he’s key,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. Our job is to keep him as healthy as possible, sometimes using him as a prime hitter and giving him time off. »
In the playoffs, Springer left in the cart during the second game of the first round in the American, against the Mariners.
Springer had come into contact with Bo Bichette, while the two players were trying to catch a ball. Springer suffered a concussion and a pulled shoulder.
The athlete will move to right field this year, due to changes since the end of last season.
Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Gurriel were traded last fall, while new additions in Daulton Varsho and Kevin Kiermaier will add depth to the defense.
Springer, 33, signed a six-year, $150 million contract with the Blue Jays in January 2021.