Guess who's back? Springer homers in first AB vs. Houston

HOUSTON -- George Springer admitted his first at-bat against his former team was weird, but it certainly became memorable.

Springer, who entered the game on Saturday with 44 career leadoff home runs -- most of which were with the Astros -- launched a 2-2 fastball to right-center field to lead off the Blue Jays' 3-2 victory against the Astros at Minute Maid Park.

“The weirdest part for me was walking up to the batter’s box from the other dugout,” Springer said. “I don’t know how to explain it. Being on the third-base side is obviously something that I’ve never experienced. This was my first game playing here. It was a weird overall kind of at-bat. At the same time, it was pretty special to me.”

Springer, who left Houston for Toronto as a free agent following the 2020 season, missed both series against his former team last season due to injury. He missed Friday night’s 4-3 victory after being hit by a pitch on Wednesday against the Red Sox, and he returned to the lineup on Saturday as the designated hitter.

He said the home run was a “cool” and special moment, but it wasn't something he was necessarily trying to do.

“I just wanted to hit the ball hard,” Springer said. “I know who is up behind me. I know what my job is -- to hit the ball hard and hopefully start something.”

Springer took a 93.5 mph heater from José Urquidy and sent it into the Astros bullpen for his 80th career regular-season home run at Minute Maid Park.

“Springer, that was pretty cool to hit the home run in his first at-bat here,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. “He was kind of mellow. That was pretty cool. That’s not easy to do. ... Good for him and for us.”

As Springer was walking to the plate before the at-bat, Astros fans gave him a nice ovation. Springer was grateful for the reception.

“It was awesome,” Springer said. “This is obviously a place that is very special to me. It’s been very special to my family. Obviously, I appreciate it. This is where I got my shot and got my opportunity to play, so I will always be thankful.”

As Springer was headed back to the dugout, he was greeted by his teammates, who put his arms through the home run jacket. They agreed his leadoff homer was quite the moment.

“That’s one of the coolest things I have ever seen,” starter Alek Manoah said. “To be in the dugout for that, I think it was pretty awesome. They gave him a big round of applause when he stepped in the box. Then, to be able to hit a home run, I thought it would happen on the first pitch. That would be exactly what George would do. It was pretty special. He had a big smile on his face.”

Springer played seven seasons with the Astros and was the 2017 World Series MVP. He finished his time in Houston with 174 home runs to go with a .270 batting average and 458 RBIs. Saturday’s home run was the 199th of his career.

“It was pretty emotional,” Springer said. “I don’t know how to explain it. It was weird but cool at the same time. I’m just glad I could help us win.”