George Springer’s Return to Dodger Stadium in World Series Didn’t Go as Planned

The Blue Jays came through in Games Four and Five without Springer. Many believed that it would be impossible, but Toronto has constantly delivered and has a knack for finding a way with its back against the wall, just when nobody expects it. 

George Springer’s Dodger Stadium History

Springer’s return to Dodger Stadium in the World Series was highly anticipated among many fans. That was the site for four games during the 2017 Fall Classic against the Houston Astros. Springer was the MVP of the 2017 World Series that the Astros won in seven games, with the final game at Dodger Stadium. A fan favorite in Houston, Springer was a legendary member of the Astros who played a huge role in their first World Series championship. 

Springer hit five home runs during the 2017 World Series, including one in each of the last four games of the series. That was a World Series record. His two-run blast in the second inning of Game 7 at Dodger Stadium gave the Astros complete control with a 5-0 lead. Houston eventually won 5-1. 

Springer recorded three out of the five home runs in Dodger Stadium, including his clutch 11th-inning two-run homer that gave Houston a 7-5 lead in Game 2. That was a must-win game for the Astros, and Springer gave them the final edge.

After the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal came to light in 2020, many fans looked back on this series with skepticism. Eight years later, the wound still has not healed for Dodgers fans. Fans anticipated that Springer would hear the loudest boos since the scandal broke, and that’s exactly what happened when he was introduced in the Game 3 lineup. The boos echoed throughout the broadcast and continued during each of his at-bats. However, Springer only had four plate appearances in Dodger Stadium for the entire series. 

What Happened to George Springer

Springer suffered an injury in Game 3 during his fourth plate appearance in the top of the seventh inning. After a swing and miss, Springer clearly was in pain on the left side of his hip. He immediately left the game and went to the clubhouse for further evaluation. Many assumed the issue was related to an oblique injury. Those are typically hard to come back from and take weeks of recovery. His injury was diagnosed as strained muscles on his right side.

Dodgers fans kept booing and even seemed to celebrate his injury, much like Seattle Mariners fans did during the American League Championship Series.

Springer didn’t return for the rest of the 18-inning game, and the Blue Jays clearly missed his presence, as they went 11 straight innings without scoring after the seventh. Game Three was not a good one for Springer, who struck out two times and grounded out with Tyler Glasnow pitching. 

Latest Injury News

Springer did not suit up for Game Four and was unavailable. Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Springer was “hour-to-hour” with his injury and had a positive outlook. The good news for Toronto is that Springer was feeling much better on Wednesday before Game Five, per Schneider. 

While he did not play, Springer was suited up and available to pinch-hit. In fact, he was ready to pinch-run for Bo Bichette in the ninth inning. During an in-game interview, Schneider said Springer was feeling good and would be available if there was a need. Ultimately, there was no need.

The Blue Jays dominated Game Five with a final score of 6-1 thanks to Trey Yesavage’s historic start and back-to-back home runs to begin the game. Springer wasn’t needed on Tuesday either, as the Blue Jays cruised to a 6-2 win.

Springer has dealt with injuries this postseason, but that has not stopped him from making an impact. He took a 96 mph fastball off the kneecap in Game 5 of the ALCS but missed little time afterward. Springer hit the go-ahead three-run HR in Game 7 that sent the Blue Jays to the Fall Classic. He has 23 career postseason homers, third all-time. 

Even though there was not a big Springer moment in Dodger Stadium this time around, he will likely return to the top of the lineup as the leadoff hitter in Game Six. George Springer will once again have the opportunity to win his second World Series ring and beat the Dodgers again in the Fall Classic, eight years later. There may be another historic Springer dinger in Rogers Centre this year.