Springer has four homers through 12 games. Last year, it took him 47 games, even though he actually homered in back-to-back games to begin the year. He also went his final 22 games last season with no homers, and he had one in 15 games this spring. His contact rate is way down and his strikeout rate is way up, but what he’s doing is working exquisitely so far.

Springer is a stunning 15-for-33 in the regular season after going 4-for-37 during Grapefruit League play. We’re not saying it’ll necessarily hold up after two obvious seasons of decline, but most everything he’s hitting is hard, and it’s definitely been worth the increase in strikeouts.

Springer returns to right field and will bat fifth on Monday night at Fenway Park following a brief one-game absence due to back spasms. The 35-year-old veteran outfielder is off to a really strong start at the plate this season, batting .379 (11-for-29) with one homer and two steals in 10 games.

Springer did some pre-game work and appeared to be in good spirits, according to MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson. The 35-year-old outfielder left Saturday’s game with back spasms after hitting the right field wall trying to chase down a fly ball. While Springer isn’t in the lineup Sunday, he should be able to avoid a stint on the injured list and return to the lineup soon.