The Toronto Blue Jays will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the World Series without designated hitter George Springer, the team confirmed ahead of Wednesday’s matchup at Dodger Stadium. Springer, a four-time All-Star and postseason clutch performer, has been sidelined since suffering a “right side discomfort” late in Game 3.
Dodgers Nation reported, “George Springer is NOT in the Blue Jays lineup for Game 5 tonight,” confirming fears that the star outfielder will miss at least another game. Springer had exited Game 3 after swinging at the first pitch of the seventh inning, raising immediate concerns about a potential oblique injury. Oblique strains typically require four to eight weeks to recover, which would effectively end Springer’s series if that diagnosis holds.
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
George Springer Will Miss the Dodgers vs the Blue Jays Game 5
Vote For Your Favorite Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
Despite the setback, the Blue Jays are exploring limited ways to use Springer. Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling noted, “George Springer ran on the field and hit velocity off a pitching machine this afternoon at Dodger Stadium. Blue Jays are assessing how his midsection responds to that work before finalizing Game 5 lineup. But if Springer isn’t able to start, good chance he can pinch-hit.” Similarly, Ben Nicholson-Smith added that manager John Schneider sees a “definite chance” Springer could contribute off the bench after making “significant progress.”
Springer was held out of Game 4 — which the Blue Jays won 6-2 despite an 18-inning marathon the previous night — allowing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the rest of the lineup to lead Toronto’s offense in his absence.
Asked about Springer’s status, Schneider offered cautious optimism: “He was able to swing a little bit this afternoon and is kind of progressively feeling a little bit better as the day goes on. We’ll see how the rest of this game goes. If not today, hopefully tomorrow, he should be good to go.”
With Springer unavailable for Game 5, the Blue Jays will lean on their remaining offensive stars to try to extend the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who remain in search of a decisive edge in this tight matchup.