Springer powers Bisons to 10-5 win over IronPigs at Sahlen Field

When George Springer, outfielder for Toronto Blue Jays stepped up at the plate on Thursday, the Buffalo Bisons turned a shaky start into a 10‑5 rout of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Sahlen Field. The game, part of an International League six‑game series, also marked Springfield’s first appearance since a head‑shot from a pitch on July 28, 2025, and a reminder that rehab assignments can swing a franchise’s momentum.

Springer’s rehab debut: a quick bounce‑back

Springer’s first at‑bat resulted in a fly‑out to right, but he shrugged it off and returned in the fourth inning with a patient walk. R.J. Shreck, the Bisons’ catcher, delivered a single to left that pushed Springer to third, and a ground‑out from first‑base veteran Riley Tirotta forced in the second run of the night. In the fifth, Springer ripped a double into left field with an exit velocity of 105.8 mph, according to Statcast data, and raced home on a sacrifice fly.

“Good day,” Springer told reporters. “I’m excited about it. That’s my style of game – I take the chance when I get it,” he added, flashing the easy confidence that made him a four‑time All‑Star before his July injury.

Offensive eruption: Clase and the Bisons’ rally

While Springer supplied the spark, it was center‑fielder Jonatan Clase who truly ignited the offense. His solo homer in the second inning was followed by a double and a single that accounted for four of the nine unanswered runs after Buffalo fell behind 2‑0 early.

• Clase’s homer traveled 381 feet, topping the series’ longest hit.
• The Bisons recorded 12 hits, 6 walks, and 2 errors, posting a slugging percentage of .736.
• Springer’s on‑base percentage for the night was .667, well above his season average of .341.

“I saw George out there, and it reminded me why we brought him in,” Clase said in the clubhouse. “His energy rubbed off on the whole lineup.”

Pitching duel: Bieber’s shutout effort

The next day, Friday, Shane Bieber, the 2019 Cy Young Award winner, took the mound for Buffalo’s second rehab start. Bieber delivered seven scoreless innings, allowing just six hits and striking out four. He induced ten ground balls, three of which turned into double plays, showcasing the same command that earned him a 3.79 ERA last season with Toronto.

Behind the plate, Christian Bethancourt worked a clean game, snapping up two theft attempts by IronPigs’ center fielder Justin Crawford. “We’ve been focusing on those situational drills in practice,” Bethancourt explained, “and it paid off when the game was on the line.”

Springer added a leadoff homer in the third inning of the Friday contest, his only hit of the night, before Damiano Palmegiani pinch‑hit for him in the sixth. The Bisons closed out the series with a 2‑0 victory, extending the lead in the International League East Division.

Reactions from the front office and fan base

Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised the rehab assignments, noting, “George’s performance gives us confidence he’s back to his old self. We’ll keep monitoring his health, but this is exactly the kind of production we need when the regular season picks back up.”

Meanwhile, Bisons general manager Scott Harris highlighted the broader impact: “These wins are good for the club, but more importantly, they show our partnership with Toronto is delivering talent at the right time.”

Fans in the stands—estimated at 7,842 for Thursday’s game—cheered loudly when Springer crossed the plate. “Seeing him back after that scary hit feels like a weight lifted,” said longtime season ticket holder Maria Lopez. The buzz continued on social media, where the hashtag #SpringerReturn trended locally on Twitter for several hours.

Series outlook and what’s next

The third game of the six‑game series set the tone for the remaining match‑ups. With the Bisons now holding a 3‑0 advantage, the IronPigs will need a dramatic turnaround to stay alive in the division race. The next game, scheduled for Saturday, August 16, promises a showdown between Bisons starter Charlie Morton and IronPigs ace Aaron Nola.

Baseball analysts predict a tight contest, noting that the IronPigs have rallied from two‑run deficits twice this season. “If they can get their bullpen to hold off the Bisons late, we could see a swing,” said ESPN’s minor‑league commentator Dave Kopp.

For the Blue Jays, Springer’s return is a bright spot heading into the final weeks of the regular season. He is slated to rejoin the major‑league roster by the end of August, pending a final medical clearance. Should he stay healthy, Toronto’s outfield depth will be bolstered just as they chase a wild‑card spot.