Toronto Blue Jays The batter “was close” to start Game 5 and is heading in the right direction for Game 6, manager John Schneider told reporters Thursday.
Springer missed his final two starts due to a midfield issue after exiting Game 3 of the World Series. He swung hard on the field 0:0 s Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski in a 4–4 game in the top of the seventh inning and left the team along with the coaching staff after attempting to stay in the contest.
“He was on the edge,” Schneider said when asked how close Springer came to making a last-second appearance. “I think he probably could, you know what I mean, and I was really juggling what was best for him, what was best for the team.”
Schneider acknowledged that if things continue as they have in the last 48 hours, there is a good chance he will have his veteran in the lineup, but noted that it will likely come down to the end.
“Making sure he feels comfortable and confident (Friday) and not just for one player to come in and compete and kind of get into the game. He's sort of physically checked every box so far. So we’ll see how tomorrow goes.”
Springer was a key part of the Blue Jays' lineup during their run to the Fall Classic. He hit four homers with nine RBIs, and none were bigger than his go-ahead three-run blast in Game 7 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners.
The 36-year-old had a strong regular season, finishing third in all-time OPS behind MVP leaders Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
Game 6 is set for Friday night at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT, pitting Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman against Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
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