SEATTLE – George Springer, a prominent hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays, left Game 5 of the American League Championship Series after being hit by a pitch on the right knee in the top of the seventh inning. Springer, Blue Jays’ designated hitter, remained on the ground for a few minutes after Seattle Mariners’ right-handed pitcher Bryan Woo hit him with a sinker on a 1-1 count.
The Blue Jays manager, John Schneider, commented after his team’s 6-2 loss. “George is one of the toughest. I think he’d have to be really, really bad not to be in the lineup on Sunday.” Springer, who has been booed throughout the series by Mariners fans, was booed again as he limped to first base, where Joey Loperfido replaced him as a pinch runner.He has a contusion in his right knee. They did X-rays, which were negative, which is a good thing.
John Schneider, manager of the Blue Jays
Previously in the game, Springer hit a two-run double against Matt Brash that tied the score. This was Springer’s 42nd extra-base hit of his postseason career, breaking a tie with David Ortiz for fifth all-time. It was his sixth consecutive playoff game with an extra-base hit, one shy of tying the record shared by Bryce Harper (2022), Carlos Beltrán (2004), and Devon White (1993). The Blue Jays are down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series against the Mariners. Game 6 will be played on Sunday.I think the fans who booed him should look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is.
John Schneider, Blue Jays manager
