TORONTO 鈥� Blue Jays outfielder George Springer will play in an intrasquad game Friday, the next step on his return from two strained muscles that have delayed his Toronto debut.
Springer signed a team-record $150 million, six-year deal with the Blue Jays this
The World Series MVP when Houston won its first title in 2017, Springer could return in this weekend鈥檚 road series against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to general manager Ross Atkins.
鈥淗e鈥檚 excited, we鈥檙e exceptionally excited,鈥� Atkins said Thursday. 鈥淭omorrow is a great day for George.
鈥淗e鈥檚 doing all baseball activity, he鈥檚 extremely confident and strong,鈥� Atkins said. 鈥淣ow it鈥檚 just a matter of recovery and putting him in a position to play nine innings and feel like he can face elite major league pitching. Tomorrow will be a very important day to determine what that next step is and what鈥檚 best for him.鈥�
Atkins said right-hander Nate Pearson (groin) will start and pitch two or three innings in Friday鈥檚 intrasquad game.
Right-handers Jordan Romano (elbow) and Tyler Chatwood (triceps) could be activated off the injured list this weekend, Atkins said. Fellow right-hander Julian Merryweather (oblique) will be shut down for two weeks. Right-hander Ross Stripling (forearm) threw a bullpen session Thursday.
Outfielder Tesocar Hernandez, out since April 8 after being infected with COVID-19, will take a clearance test Friday, Atkins said, and could soon rejoin the team.
Also Thursday, the Blue Jays acquired right-hander Jeremy Beasley from Arizona for cash. Beasley, who will report to Toronto鈥檚 alternate site, made his big league debut with the Diamondbacks last August 11, striking out one of the three batters he faced before a season-ending shoulder injury.
Arizona designated Beasley for assignment on April 17.
Right-hander Thomas Hatch (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster.
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Ian Harrison, The Associated Press
