Toronto Blue Jays: George Springer debut date has been set

The long awaited Toronto Blue Jays debut of George Springer is quickly approaching according to skipper Charlie Montoyo.

Following yesterday’s first Grapefruit League win of the spring, the manager informed the media that Springer would occupy the designated hitter spot on Tuesday when the Blue Jays host the Philadelphia Phillies in Dunedin.

The outfielder did not make the trip to Tampa on Sunday when the team opened up their spring training schedule versus the Yankees and will not play today when the Jays take on the Pirates. The brain trust have not yet indicated when Springer will get his first spring reps in at centerfield.

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Springer inked a massive offseason deal with the Jays signing a 6-year/ $150 million dollar deal to solidify their outfield. The 31-year old will be expected to do the majority of the heavy lifting on both sides of the diamond.

Springer hit .265/.359/.540 with 14 round trippers in 51 games last season and sports a career 27.5 WAR over his seven-year career with the Houston Astros.

Unfortunately for Blue Jays fans, the game on Tuesday will not be televised on Sportsnet and it does not appear that any Philadelphia syndicates are covering the game either.

Martin Makes First Start

Austin Martin will bat eighth and play shortstop today when the Jays host Pittsburgh this afternoon. The fifth overall selection in last year’s amateur draft is expected to be a huge piece of the puzzle moving forward, however, it is still uncertain where he will play.

Martin is a natural shortstop but may have to slide to third base or even the outfield when he is major league ready. It is anticipated he will spend the majority of the 2021 campaign in the minors but could force his way onto the roster next season.

Alejandro Kirk will also make his spring debut batting cleanup while taking care of the catching responsibilities for the contest.

This game is also not scheduled for television so don’t expect to see Martin in action later today.