Toronto Blue Jays center fielder George Springer has been named the American League Player of the Week for the second straight week. From August 2 to August 8, Springer batted .364 with three home runs and 11 runs batted in. According to TSN, Springer is the first Blue Jays player in franchise history to be named the American League Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks. From July 26 to August 1, Springer batted .400 with three home runs and seven runs batted in.
In analyzing Springer’s statistics in 2021, you would be hardpressed to find a Blue Jays player in franchise history who has had a larger turnaround in the second half compared to the first half of a single season than Springer. I am completely aware that Springer was battling injuries. However, in 20 games prior to the MLB All-Star Break, Springer was downright horrendous, as he batted .194 with only 14 hits in 72 at bats.
Since the All-Star Break, Springer has been amazing. With his success, he is now in the leadoff position in the Blue Jays batting order. In 89 at bats, Springer has scored 25 runs, and had 32 hits, nine home runs, 22 runs batted in, 10 doubles, one triple, one stolen base, nine walks, a .420 on base percentage, a .798 slugging percentage, 71 total bases, and one sacrifice fly.
More importantly, the Blue Jays are back in the hunt for an American League wildcard spot. With a record of 60 wins and 50 losses, they are three games back of the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics for the two wildcard spots in the American League. The only other team in the wildcard hunt is the New York Yankees at 62 wins and 50 losses.