Toronto Blue Jays slugger George Springer will not start Friday night against the Houston Astros, but is available to pinch hit and play the field off the bench, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling.
Springer says his wrist injury, which he suffered on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox, is improving, but he didn't feel "fantastic" while pinch-hitting on Thursday — indicating that the injury is not an issue when fielding, only at the plate, according to Zwelling.
The injury occurred at the top of the sixth inning on Wednesday, when Springer took a pitch to the forearm/elbow area from reliever Phillips Valdez. He initially remained in the game as a base runner but was replaced by Bradley Zimmer.
Springer struck out in two at-bats against the Red Sox on Thursday.
The 32-year-old has two home runs with a .315 on-base percentage in 13 outings so far this season.
In other Blue Jays news:
• Teoscar Hernandez has begun a hitting progression in Toronto. The 29-year-old is currently out with a left oblique sprain, and there is still no timetable for his return.
• Starting pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with forearm soreness last week, has resumed light throwing in Toronto. Manager Charlie Montoyo says Ryu likely pitches at least one minor league game before rejoining the Blue Jays, according to Zwelling.
• Fellow pitcher Nate Pearson, who has yet to play this season after being diagnosed with mono earlier this month, is scheduled to throw his next live bullpen on Saturday.
