LOS ANGELES — George Springer is out of the Blue Jays’ lineup… but he’s still on the roster.
After leaving the 6-5 loss in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night with right side discomfort, it looked like Springer’s incredible season may be over. There’s still hope, though, as the Blue Jays have decided not to replace Springer on the roster ahead of Game 4 against the Dodgers on Tuesday.
Springer injured himself on a swing when he fouled off a pitch and immediately grabbed for his side. It was worrying to see Springer, who has a reputation for being one of the toughest players in this organization, immediately walk off the field with manager John Schneider and a Blue Jays trainer.
Early Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, Schneider called Springer “hour to hour.” Just over an hour later, the Blue Jays released their lineup without Springer in it, Bo Bichette taking over the DH spot (batting third) and Nathan Lukes leading off.
“He plays for moments like this,” Schneider said. “I think I told you guys yesterday, whenever this season’s over, you guys will be surprised to see how much he has grinded physically. So yeah, if he’s good to go in any way, shape, or form, I want George in.”
The Blue Jays could have easily added a pitcher in Springer’s place, given that every single reliever pitched in the 18-inning marathon Monday night, but they’re holding on for now. If Springer could be back for a potential Game 5, 6 or 7, then it’s worth playing a man short in the meantime.
This organization has leaned on its depth all season long and won’t be uncomfortable doing it again, even on the biggest stage.
“George has been incredible in his career in the postseason. Probably a postseason Hall of Famer,” said Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who will now see more time at second with Bichette at DH. “So for him to go down that hurt, just because we have known the type of moments that he’s capable of, that definitely hurt. But Ty France steps in and he’s an All-Star. So as much as it hurts, we got a lot of depth and we’re going to rely on that this whole Series. As much as we would love to have George, we trust the next guy up.”
Just like the Blue Jays worked to extend their postseason to get Bichette back from his left knee injury, this is their next reason to fight. Springer has been this team’s heart and soul, fresh off a renaissance season that should land him on the back end of AL MVP Award ballots. He was brought to Toronto five years ago to help this team win a World Series, and if he’s going to have his shot, the Blue Jays may need to push this series a little deeper.
