During Monday’s Orioles vs Blue Jays matchup, George Springer was hit in the head by a 96 mph fastball and, thankfully, was able to leave the game under his own power.

Shortly after he left the game, another major question arose: What happens now? What does this mean for a team that finally has a lethal (and consistent) offence?

Tough to Replace 

Springer has been a major part of the offence that has been one of the best in the major leagues. So far, Springer has been batting .291 with 18 homers, a .506 slugging percentage, 18 doubles, and an OPS+ 44 points above league average.

That alone is going to be tough to replace unless the Jays decide to make a move and bring someone in. Even then, the Jays have Alejandro Kirk on the IL after taking a ball off the mask. So far this season, Kirk has been hitting .304 with 7 home runs and an OPS+ 14 points above league average.

With those two out in an important stretch, it is tough to replace either of those marks, especially at the DH spot.

Potential Temporary Replacements 

If the Jays wanted to stay within the roster and not have to move more assets for a temporary DH, then Addison Barger could easily slot into the DH spot for the time being. Nathan Lukes would most likely have to move into the empty outfield spot because of that. This wouldn’t be too much of a downgrade, Lukes has a 1.4 WAR across 81 games this season, sporting a .264 batting average, 38 RBI, and an OPS+ mark 10 points above league average.

If, on the chance that the Jays were to look to other teams, Steven Kwan would be a good addition as a reliable bat and Gold Glove-winning left fielder when Springer does return. And yes, I’m talking about him again.

So far this season, Kwan is batting .287 with a 3.3 WAR, and an OPS+ mark 11 points above league average. If the Jays were to have anyone as an impact piece that could also be the bandage to the offence, Kwan would be the best fit.

The Jays have a lot of bats that could do damage, but a player who can get on base, allowing for even more damage to be done, would suit the offence perfectly. Plus, as mentioned in previous articles, Kwan fits Toronto’s roster-building style of adding elite defensive players. Kwan would also be reunited with Myles Straw and the injured Andres Jimenez, who were Guardians teammates previously before Toronto acquired both during the offseason.