A key addition to the Toronto Blue Jays outfield is set to make his spring training debut on Friday after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Outfielder Daulton Varsho told reporters he expects to take the field this week. Varsho, who was injured in August last year, played through the issue until September before ultimately cutting his season short to have rotator cuff surgery on September 23.
Daulton Varsho’s Recovery and Spring Debut
Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reported that Varsho has progressed to taking live batting practice in spring training, which is further along than the team was perhaps indicating before camp opened.
“Hitting, [Varsho] is all the way up. He’s taking full batting practice, facing live pitching, which is at least more than I expected to see. Even if he needs a little bit of time [on the injured list when the season begins], I don’t think it’s going to be much,” Matheson said.
Varsho’s flashy defense in center field earned him his first Gold Glove Award in 2024. He impressed with diving catches and runs into the wall. FanGraphs credited him with 29 defensive runs saved—the highest total among major leaguers last season.
At the plate, Varsho hit .214 with 18 home runs and 58 RBI in 136 games last season. It was his second season with the Blue Jays.
Varsho’s Return Could Give George Springer a New Spot
Matheson also reported that George Springer might shift to left field this season. Springer, 35, played right field for the past two seasons after starting his career in center. The offseason addition of Anthony Santander may prompt a change in the outfield setup. Springer struggled last season, posting a career-worst .220 with 19 home runs and 56 RBI. With two years left on his six-year, $150 million deal, Springer will look to contribute in any way possible for the Blue Jays.
Main Photo: © David Butler II-Imagn Images
