Blue Jays' Springer heads back to IL with knee sprain

The Toronto Blue Jays placed star slugger George Springer on the injured list after an MRI revealed a left knee sprain stemming from a collision with the outfield wall.

Infielder Otto Lopez was recalled in a corresponding move.

Springer, 31, has been limited to 49 games during his first season with the Blue Jays since signing a six-year, $150-million contract this past winter. The three-time All-Star has been integral to the team's success, though, hitting .269/.362/.610 with 16 homers and two steals while working primarily as the leadoff man and center fielder.

He's also been sidelined with oblique and quad ailments.

Springer will undergo further tests to learn the severity of the sprain. Manager Charlie Montoyo didn't offer a timetable for the outfielder's return, stating that he hopes Springer comes back before the conclusion of the season, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.

Originally diagnosed as an ankle injury, Montoyo said Springer was showing "good improvement" over the weekend, according to Mitch Bannon of Sports Illustrated.

Lopez, who will be active Tuesday, has yet to make his MLB debut. In 11 games at Triple-A this year, the 22-year-old is 11-for-39 with one double, two triples, and five steals.

Randal Grichuk is expected to get the majority of playing time in center.