Springer not ready to make Grapefruit League debut
The spring training game debut of Toronto Blue Jays superstar outfielder George Springer will have to wait.
As a veteran who prefers to work at his own pace — a privilege he's earned — Springer will pass on the trip from Dunedin to Tampa, Fla., on Sunday where the Jays will play their first of 28 exhibition games.
“He's a routine kind of guy,” manager Charlie Montoyo said when asked how Springer will approach game action this spring.
“He's always had a routine where he likes to take a lot of live batting practice before he plays in the games, and that's how we're going to approach it in spring training.
“That's how it looks right now. Whenever he tells me he's had enough of live batting practice, then he's going to be in the lineup.”
Springer talked at length earlier this week about how his routine is critical to his preparation for the season.he'shonedthatpreparation for years in Houston, where he was an all-star and one of the better hitters in the game.
As a veteran — and a Us$150-million free agent signing — the Jays will be willing to let Springer call the shots when it comes to his spring training routine.
In the early days, hitters are often well behind pitchers, and it often takes a while for timing to kick in.
Springer's preferred method to do that is to face pitchers during live batting practices at the team's training complex.
Montoyo believes in letting the players have input, within reason.
“I do that with everybody anyways, but more for (fellow newcomer Marcus Semien) and Springer, because they've got their routines already,” he said.
“They've been playing for a while now and they know how to get ready for the season.
“Their feedback is going to be big and they're going to play when they feel like they're ready to play.”