TORONTO - After smashing his 42nd career leadoff homer, a single and double in the first three innings, hot-hitting Blue Jays veteran George Springer was not thinking cycle in his fourth at-bat.

“If it happened, great,” Springer said after the Blue Jays' 8-6 victory against Cleveland before 14,410 at Rogers Centre on Wednesday. “But I'd rather have a quality at-bat.”

Springer did have a quality at-bat in the fifth, singling to left field. He already had knocked in three runs with his 4 for 5 evening that saw the Blue Jays win their fifth in six games since their Rogers Centre return last Friday.

Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo remarked Springer's hot bat was a product of his increased playing time since the off-season free-agent signing missed significant time in the first half with a left oblique strain and right quadriceps ailment.

The 31-year-old Springer, named American League player of the week on Monday, also clearly is comfortable in the leadoff spot. He has three leadoff homers in five games. In 16 games as the Blue Jays' leadoff hitter, he has gone 24 for 64 (.375) with eight homers, eight doubles, 16 RBIs and eight walks.

“I was groomed to hit first my whole career,” he said. “I understand it's the same thing as any other at-bat. I just happen to hit first.”