Blue Jays' George Springer to debut Wednesday vs. Nationals

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer has, for the most part, been out of action for over a month as he worked to recover from a strained left oblique muscle and, later, a right quadriceps strain. 

The 2017 World Series Most Valuable Player who joined Toronto via a six-year contract worth $150 million this offseason will make his official Blue Jays debut Wednesday night. 

Per Keegan Matheson of the MLB website, Springer will serve as Toronto's designated hitter and bat leadoff for Wednesday's matchup against the Washington Nationals. The three-time All-Star told reporters he's excited to join his teammates, even if only as a hitter on the first night. 

"I want to play. I’m tired of being on the IL and not being out there with the guys," Springer said. "I had an opportunity to play today and I said, 'Absolutely.'"

Wednesday is an ideal time for Springer to shake off inevitable rust that may linger after a lengthy absence, as the Blue Jays don't play Thursday before they host the Atlanta Braves for a series that begins on Friday. Springer has recently appeared in games at Toronto's alternate training site, but those exhibitions don't offer the same level of competition he'll see versus Washington. 

Toronto heads into Wednesday evening with a record of 11-11.