In the most alarming twist, the Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer was hit straight in his head with a 96 mph fastball pitch. He collapsed right there and remained motionless for nearly a minute before he left Camden Yards with help. That pitch was thrown by the Orioles rookie Kade Strowd. It struck Springer right in the left ear flap of the helmet.

The helmet got knocked many feet away when Springer tumbled to the ground. As per Blue Jays manager John Schneider, it was relieving that the pitch first struck his shoulder before bouncing up to his head.

It lightened the impact to his head, and he was also able to exchange mere words with Schneider and the team trainer when he was lying down in the batter’s box. After his exit, he was sent to be checked by the Blue Jays’ medical staff.

The veteran is doing “alright,” as per Schneider. “It kind of got him in his shoulder, then helmet, which thankfully, he was able to turn a little bit, too. I just had a chance to talk with him. He’s in with the doc right now getting evaluated,” he added after losing to the Orioles 11-4. This defeat also marked the high-flying Jays’ second conseutive loss in the last month. And if Springer does not get back to lineup in time, things may not be the same anymore for the Jays.

Springer’s injury will affect the Jays’ record-breaking season. Not because of his stats, but current form. In a team where the league’s one of the most explosive sluggers, Vladimir Guerrero, plays, Springer is leading his team in offense, with a slash line of .291/.383/.506 with 18 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 12 steals across 101 games. And if this injury keeps the former World Series MVP and four-time All-Star, the offense will be a bigger concern than an already struggling rotation for skipper Schneider.

Will injuries shift the Blue Jays’ approach ahead of the trade deadline?

Unlike the last season, Toronto is playing the best baseball in the league. They are sitting comfortably at the top of the AL East with 63 wins. But the downside is, apart from Springer and their All-Star catcher, Alejandro Kirk, their closers, such as Justin Bruihl, Brendon Little, and Chad Green, are also struggling big time.

The Blue Jays need more reliable arms to handle the late innings. No doubt, Little has been solid, but the Jays need a bit more to enter the playoff contention. Their top priority at this deadline would be to fix their bullpen. They don’t need one, but a group of reliable arms. After that, the Blue Jays might also add a solid right-handed hitter or a starting pitcher.

Do you have any speculations regarding the upcoming trade deadline for the Jays?

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