Blue Jays' George Springer: Back in lineup for Game 6
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Springer (side) will bat leadoff and serve as the designated hitter in Friday's World Series Game 6 against the Dodgers.
Springer did not play in Games 4 or 5 after exiting Game 3 with discomfort in his right side, but he's improved enough to give it a go as the Fall Classic moves back to Toronto. The 36-year-old Springer has an .884 OPS with four home runs over 14 contest this postseason.
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Blue Jays' George Springer: Likely to return for Game 6
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Manager John Schneider said Thursday that there's a strong chance Springer (side) returns to the starting lineup in Game 6 of the World Series on Friday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Toronto's skipper added that Springer has "checked every box physically so far" and nearly returned to the lineup in Game 5, but the Jays instead opted to give the outfielder another day to recover. His return to the lineup after a two-game absence would provide Toronto's offense with a significant power boost, as the 36-year-old has posted a .561 slugging percentage across 65 plate appearances in the postseason.
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Blue Jays' George Springer: On bench again for Game 5
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Springer (side) isn't in the lineup for Game 5 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday.
Manager John Schneider said Wednesday that Springer has made "significant progress" in his recovery since exiting Game 3 with a side injury, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca, but evidently not enough to return to the starting nine for the final game in Los Angeles. Bo Bichette will get another start as Toronto's designated hitter Wednesday; meanwhile, Springer could be available as a pinch hitter.
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Blue Jays' George Springer: Absent from Game 4 lineup
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Springer (side) isn't in the lineup for Game 4 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Tuesday.
Springer was forced to leave Game 3 early after injuring his side on a swing in the seventh inning, and he'll officially remain on the bench for the beginning of Tuesday's contest. Bo Bichette will work as Toronto's designated hitter in Springer's stead, opening up second base for Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Springer will undergo an MRI after departing Monday's Game 3 of the World Series due to right side discomfort, Jon Paul Hoornstra of Newsweek.com reports.
Springer exited Monday's matchup in the seventh inning after a swing left him in obvious discomfort. The club will presumably wait until reviewing his scans to determine his status for Tuesday's Game 4 and the remainder of the series. Ty France could draw the start in the DH slot if Springer is unable to go Tuesday.
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Blue Jays' George Springer: Exits Game 3 with injury
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Springer was removed from Monday's Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers due to an apparent right side injury, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Springer led off the top of the seventh inning and appeared to take a normal cut at the first pitch, but he was spotted grabbing his side after the swing and was promptly lifted. He'll presumably be sent for further testing before the club comments on his availability for Game 4 and beyond. Ty France was called on to pinch hit in Springer's place.
Blue Jays' George Springer: Could play outfield, if needed
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Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Springer is "very capable" of playing the outfield in the World Series, if needed, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Springer has been deployed as the Blue Jays' primary designated hitter this season and hasn't played an inning in the outfield in a month. However, one way to reincorporate Bo Bichette (knee) back into the lineup would be to use him at DH and have Springer play the outfield. Schneider did note that he'd prefer not to take players out of their comfort zone, and Springer clearly has settled in nicely at DH with a resurgent regular season (.959 OPS, 32 home runs) and postseason (.929 OPS, four home runs).
Blue Jays' George Springer: Powers Toronto to World Series
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Springer went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run, one walk and two runs scored in Monday's 4-3 victory over Seattle in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.
Springer's lone hit of the evening was a huge one, as he delivered a three-run blast over the fence in left field during the bottom of the seventh inning to put his team ahead by a run. The bullpen would do the rest, sending the Blue Jays to the World Series for the first time since 1993. Springer managed to navigate through an injury scare after being struck by a pitch in the right knee during Game 5, managing to return immediately to the lineup in Game 6 before providing the clutch hit of the series in Game 7.
Blue Jays' George Springer: Included in Game 6 lineup
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Springer (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat leadoff Sunday in Game 6 of the ALCS against the Mariners.
Springer's availability for Game 6 had been in question after he exited Friday's 6-2 loss in Game 5 upon being hit in the right knee by a pitch, but the day off between contests appears to have provided sufficient time for the 36-year-old to heal. He'll slot into his usual spot atop the batting order as the Blue Jays look to extend the series to seven games. Through the Blue Jays' first nine playoff games, Springer ranks third on the team with a .934 OPS.
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