Jays' Springer exits early with 'mild' ankle sprain

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer was removed from Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays after attempting a leaping catch and colliding with the center-field wall in the second inning.

Manager Charlie Montoyo said postgame that Springer suffered a "mild" left ankle sprain and hadn't been sent for imaging, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

The three-time All-Star seemed to favor his left leg after the crash. Springer initially stayed in to complete the inning and made his plate appearance in the top of the third - grounding out to third base. However, Raimel Tapia took over defensively in center field for the bottom of the third.

Springer sustained the injury on what wound up being scored a leadoff triple from Brandon Lowe. Lowe later scored on Ji-Man Choi's fielder's choice with the infield in.

The two-time Silver Slugger missed substantial time last year with various leg injuries, punctuated by a late-season sprain to his left knee.

Springer appeared in his 110th game Friday for the Blue Jays since signing a six-year, $150-million contract prior to the 2021 campaign. Entering Friday, he posted a .269/.350/.549 triple-slash line with 29 homers and six stolen bases with the Jays.