George Springer injury: Blue Jays star has knee contusion after HBP, ALCS Game 6 status uncertain
George Springer was hit on his knee by a 95.6 mph fastball
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1 min read
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer exited the seventh inning of Friday's ALCS Game 5 loss against the Seattle Mariners after he was struck on the right knee by an errant sinker from right-hander Bryan Woo. Springer suffered what the Blue Jays described as a knee contusion. Manager John Schneider expressed hope that Springer will play in Sunday's Game 6, a must-win contest for Toronto.
Here's a look at the pitch in question, which was 95.6 mph:
George Springer is down in pain after taking a pitch off his knee pic.twitter.com/dkbjy9mRo7
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 18, 2025
"He's got a right knee contusion. He had X-rays, which were negative, which is a good thing. He'll probably do some more testing tonight when we get home. George is about as tough as they come. I think he'll have to really, really be hurting to not be in the lineup on Sunday, Schneider said after Game 5.
"So we'll see how he is. On that note, I know this is an awesome atmosphere to play in, and it's really, really cool to play here, and I think the fans that were booing him should take a look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is and -- I'll stop there, because when a guy gets hit in the knee and is in obvious pain and have you 40,000 people cheering, not the right thing to do."
Springer initially tried to stay in the game, but after heading to first base he retreated to the dugout, all the while visibly limping. Springer was replaced by fellow outfielder Joey Loperfido, who was only added to the roster on Thursday, replacing injured outfielder Anthony Santander.
Springer, 36, had enjoyed a resurgent season this year for the Blue Jays. He batted .309/.399/.560 with 32 home runs and 18 stolen bases. His 161 OPS+ represented a new career best, and his contributions were worth an estimated 4.8 Wins Above Replacement.
The Blue Jays held a 2-1 advantage at the time of Springer's departure. He hit a game-tying double in the fifth inning.
Major League Baseball's rules surrounding playoff rosters dictate that if a player is removed during the course of a round, he is ineligible for the subsequent round. As such, it's plausible to suggest that the Blue Jays -- if they do advance -- would have to manage without either Springer or Santander.
