GDB 86.0: George Springer returns to leadoff spot for Blue Jays

George Springer is back.

Back to being the hitter the team has needed him to be, and back to the leadoff spot for the first time since May 18th. The Blue Jays dropped him down the order where he’s remained for the past 39 games, hitting anywhere from the 4 to 7 spot.

He’s seemingly been able to find his way, as over that stretch he’s slashed .237/.336/.420, hitting six home runs and driving in 22 runs. While the first month of the demotion was rough, Springer has started to turn it on in recent weeks. Since June 15th, he’s slashed .291/.361/.582 for a .943 OPS, and in the last week, he’s found himself on a seven-game hitting streak in which he’s slashed .500/.556/1.083 for a 1.639 OPS, hitting four home runs in that stretch.

As highlighted by Chris Black above, there have been some changes in Springer’s batting stance since opening day, bringing his elbows down and in. The proof is in the pudding in the turnaround.

With Springer climbing back up the lineup, down goes Bo Bichette, who since returning from injury on June 25th, has been in the leadoff spot, going 3-for-25 in that spot.

Yusei Kikuchi will take the mound Wednesday, as the Jays look to take a series lead over the Houston Astros. They’ll respond with Ronel Blanco, who has remained strong since throwing a no-hitter against the Jays in his first start of the season.

First pitch: 7:07 p.m. EST.

TV & Radio: Sportsnet, SN590.

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Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.