In a dramatic encounter during Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays was struck on the knee by a 95-mph sinker from Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo in the seventh inning. Despite suffering a right-knee contusion, Blue Jays manager John Schneider reported that the X-rays came back negative, offering some relief amid the team’s 6-2 loss.
“George is about as tough as they come,” Schneider stated. “I think he’ll have to really, really be hurting to not be in the lineup on Sunday. So we’ll see how he is.”
Schneider expressed his frustration with Mariners fans who booed Springer as he attempted to continue playing after being hit. He noted that the four-time All-Star walked to first base, albeit with a significant limp, before being substituted by Joey Loperfido as a pinch runner.
“I know this is an awesome atmosphere to play in. And it’s really, really cool to play here,” Schneider said, before addressing the crowd’s reaction. “I think the fans that were booing him should take a look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is. When a guy gets hit in the knee and is in obvious pain, and you have 40,000 people cheering … not the right thing to do.”
Springer had contributed to the Blue Jays’ offense earlier in the game, tying the score at 1-1 with a double in the fifth inning. However, after being hit by Woo’s pitch, he fell to the ground in visible distress, prompting concern from teammates and fans alike.
At that point, the Blue Jays were ahead 2-1, following a sixth-inning rally that saw Ernie Clement drive in Alejandro Kirk on an RBI single. Woo’s performance was particularly noteworthy as it marked his return after a stint on the sidelines due to pectoral tightness since September 19.
However, the game turned in the eighth inning when Cal Raleigh connected for his 64th home run of the season against reliever Brendon Little. Following that, Eugenio Suárez put Seattle ahead with a go-ahead grand slam off righty Seranthony Domínguez, leading the Mariners to clinch a 3-2 series lead.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are set to host Game 6 on Sunday, with hopes that Springer will be ready to play in front of their home crowd. The team’s resilience will be put to the test as they strive to keep their championship aspirations alive.