Daulton Varsho returns for Blue Jays, while concussion sends George Springer to IL
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For starters, outfielder Daulton Varsho has returned from a lengthy 52-game stint on the injured list due to a hamstring strain and was activated for Friday's series opener at the Rogers Centre.
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As well, right-handed reliever Louis Varland — who was acquired just prior to Thursday's Major League Baseball trade deadline — has made it to the downtown dome and will be active for Friday's contest.
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On some levels, it will be a relief for Jays players to have the deadline behind them, knowing that the roster basically is set for the final two months of the regular season.
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The return of Varsho, a popular teammate and an elite centre fielder, also is a huge injection into the clubhouse and has the possibility of feeling like another trade-deadline acquisition.
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The Jays certainly will be looking to resume their recent hot run that has seen them sprint out to a 64-46 record and first place in the American League East, 3.5 games ahead of the New York Yankees.
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General manager Ross Atkins believes the influx of new players at the deadline will fill some needs for the team as they look to cement home-field advantage and a first-round bye for the post-season.
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