Blue Jays: George Springer exits game after taking fastball off knee

Coming on a 1-1 count in the top of the seventh, Springer couldn’t get away from the pitch and was hit flush on the bone. He attempted to stay in the game, even making it to first base, but was eventually lifted for pinch runner Joey Loperfido.

Losing Springer for any period of time would be a big loss for the Blue Jays. Coming into Friday’s game, Springer was slashing .250/.300/.611 with three home runs in 40 plate appearances, two of which came in the ALCS. Springer also hit a key double in Friday’s game, driving in the Blue Jays’ first run of the game.

This came a day after Anthony Santander was removed from the Blue Jays’ playoff roster due to a back injury, meaning he’s ineligible for the World Series if the Blue Jays make it that far. Another Blue Jays player, Bo Bichette, has missed the entirety of the postseason due to a knee injury sustained in early September.

With a late grand slam in a 6-2 win, the Mariners are in the driver’s seat while the Blue Jays’ backs are against the wall. Thankfully, George Springer will have an off-day to rest on Saturday before Sunday’s game begins, as the two teams fly back to Toronto. Even if it’s a pinch-hitting scenario, getting Springer’s bat back in the lineup would be a huge help in helping them overcome a 3-2 series deficit.

Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday at 8:03 PM ET. Trey Yesavage is the Blue Jays’ expected starter, while the Mariners’ starter is yet to be determined.