Blue Jays’ John Schneider Announces George Springer Update Before Brewers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 1:01 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays continue their road trip Thursday with a chance to secure a series win over the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Entering the game with a 7-10 record, Toronto is also managing a growing list of injuries that has tested the club’s lineup depth.

The Blue Jays have been without several key offensive contributors. Outfielder Addison Barger has been sidelined since early April with a left ankle sprain, while designated hitter Anthony Santander remains on the 60-day injured list after undergoing left shoulder labral surgery in March. But perhaps the most significant absence has been veteran outfielder George Springer, whose injury has left a major void at the top of Toronto’s lineup.

Springer fractured his left big toe on April 11 after fouling a pitch off his foot in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins. He exited shortly afterward, was placed on the IL the next day, and has now missed three consecutive games.

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

On Thursday, however, Blue Jays fans received encouraging news, as Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling reported that Springer has resumed swinging in the visitors’ batting cages in Milwaukee. For now, he is taking flips and hitting off a tee, with running expected to be the biggest hurdle in his recovery. If he progresses well, Springer could be activated from the injured list around the start of the Blue Jays’ next homestand on Friday.

Per Zwelling, manager John Schneider offered an optimistic assessment of Springer’s progress. “It looked pretty normal, which is good. He’s feeling better,” Schneider said. “The swing looked like George.”

John Schneider said Springer was swinging aggressively and that if he can face adequate velocity against machines it’s possible he doesn’t require a rehab assignment.

“It looked pretty normal, which is good. He’s feeing better,” Schneider said. “The swing looked like George.”
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) April 16, 2026

Springer has been a central figure for Toronto since signing with the club in 2021. During the 2025 MLB season, he played 140 games and batted .309 with exactly 32 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 106 runs scored, while posting a .399 on-base percentage and a .959 OPS on his way to a third Silver Slugger Award. Over the course of his career, Springer has earned four All-Star selections, won a Gold Glove, and was named World Series MVP with the Houston Astros in 2017.

Before this season’s injury, Springer had appeared in 14 games and was batting .185 with two home runs and six RBIs. The latest update offers hope that his return may not be far off, and if he responds well against higher-velocity pitching machines, he could potentially avoid a rehab assignment altogether.

First pitch for Thursday’s game between the Blue Jays and Brewers is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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