Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer has cleared Major League Baseball’s concussion protocol two weeks after being struck in the helmet by a 96-mph pitch on 28 July. Manager John Schneider said Springer will begin a rehabilitation assignment on Thursday, serving initially as designated hitter for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons and, depending on his progress, may add an outfield appearance before rejoining the major-league roster. Springer, 35, was enjoying a resurgent season—tied for second on the club with 18 home runs and fourth with 57 RBIs while posting an .889 OPS—when he was injured. Toronto has gone 7-7 during his absence and mustered only 39 runs in 11 games excluding a high-scoring series against Colorado. Schneider acknowledged the lineup has missed Springer’s presence, which deepens the order and forces opposing pitchers to work harder. The Blue Jays, who lead the American League East, expect Springer’s stint in Buffalo to be brief if he remains symptom-free. His return would coincide with other rehab efforts at the Bisons, including right-handers Alek Manoah and recently acquired Shane Bieber, as the club looks to solidify its roster for the stretch run.