TORONTO — George Springer is “feeling better” a day before the Toronto Blue Jays' biggest game of the postseason.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Springer was recovering quickly after taking a fastball to the inside of his right knee in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. Toronto hosts the Mariners in Game 6 on Sunday, with Seattle leading the best-of-seven series 3-2.
“He's feeling better today. The CT scan he got last night was negative,” Schneider said at a news conference during additional training at the Rogers Center on Saturday. “Just shell shock, as we say.
“But he is undergoing treatment, after some time he will do something, maybe move around. But he feels much better than yesterday.”
Springer went down after Seattle pitcher Brian Wu clipped his right knee at 95.6 mph in the top of the seventh inning on Friday. The Blue Jays led the game 2-1 at the time, but the Mariners prevailed 6-2.
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Schneider said the only hurdle Springer has to overcome is saying he's ready for Sunday's deciding Game 6.
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“George has been through a lot, probably more than you guys know this year, but also in his career,” Schneider said. “So just make sure it doesn't stop him from swinging and doesn't stop him from running.
“But he’s a tough dude, so I’m hopeful and optimistic that he’ll be okay.”
Schneider added that star player Bo Bichette has made progress in his recovery from a sprained left knee. Due to injury, Bichette was left out of Toronto's post-season lineup.
“Not to run the bases, but to run something bigger,” Schneider said. “You guys (reporters) have probably seen him in the outfield, but not on the bases yet. You can do that today.”
“But he's definitely making progress. There's definitely progress in his hitting as well.”
Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage will start for Toronto in Game 6, while Logan Gilbert will start for Seattle.
The 36-year-old Springer enjoyed a resurgence on the season, hitting .309 with 32 home runs, 84 runs scored, 18 stolen bases and a .399 on-base percentage. He hit .256 with three home runs and six RBIs this postseason.
Bichette was hitting .311 with 18 homers, 94 RBIs, four stolen bases and a .357 on-base percentage when he was injured after sliding onto home plate against the New York Yankees on September 6. He was unable to play for the Blue Jays in the playoffs, but if they reach the World Series, he could be added to the roster.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
