George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays. (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
The Toronto Blue Jays are hoping to avoid a slow start in 2021, despite having several injuries to key players heading into Opening Day.
Though the Toronto Blue Jays are one of the most exciting young teams in baseball, they are dealing with a rash of injuries as 2021 MLB Opening Day approaches. A slow start out of the gate is the last thing this AL East team needs. Can they avoid it, despite being depleted in early April?
General manager Ross Atkins gave an update on some of the injuries. Kirby Yates is “most likely to undergo a procedure”, meaning he is out for the year with Tommy John. George Springer is dealing with an oblique and we “won’t see him playing for the next few days. Update on [Springer] in 4-5 days.” As for Robbie Ray, Atkins is “very hopeful it’s just missing one start” with a bruised elbow.
A slow start could potentially sink the Toronto Blue Jays’ promising season
Though the New York Yankees are the presumptive favorite to win the AL East in 2021, the Blue Jays will likely be in the mix for a Wild Card spot along with the defending AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays. While the Boston Red Sox could bounce back under Alex Cora, they could be just as bad as the Baltimore Orioles are expected to be. This is the season where Toronto has to make its push.
While Yates being out for the year is a bummer, it sounds like Ray and Springer may only miss a little bit of time in the early part of the season. However, their absences may potentially compound into a rough April for the Blue Jays. Though you cannot win or lose a division race in April, you never want to put your team behind the eight ball well before the dog days of summer.
Injuries are part of the game, but do not expect Toronto to be world beaters right out of the gate.