TORONTO — Blue Jays supervisor John Schneider says he’s optimistic George Springer will probably be out there towards the Seattle Mariners in Recreation 6 of the AL Championship Sequence in Toronto on Sunday night time.
“Feeling lots higher than he did yesterday,” Schneider stated Saturday.
Springer, Toronto’s leadoff hitter, was struck on the precise kneecap by a 95.6 mph pitch from Bryan Woo within the seventh inning of Friday’s 6-2 loss and left the sport.
Seattle leads the best-of-seven collection 3-2.
The 36-year-old Springer, a four-time All-Star, is hitting .256 with three residence runs and 5 doubles this postseason. His 22 profession playoff homers are tied with Bernie Williams for fourth most.
Schneider stated Springer bought remedy on Saturday and was anticipated to check his knee in a group exercise.
“Simply guarantee that it is not bothering him swinging and never bothering him working,” Schneider stated. “However he is a troublesome dude, so I am hopeful and optimistic that he’ll be good to go.”
Springer fell to the bottom after being struck by Woo’s pitch, and stayed down within the batter’s field whereas Schneider and coach Drew MacDonald got here out from the dugout. Springer walked gingerly towards first, tried to run a couple of steps, then walked off and was changed by pinch-runner Joey Loperfido.
Schneider stated injured shortstop Bo Bichette nonetheless hasn’t run the bases since pulling up in an try final Saturday, the day earlier than the ALCS started.
“You guys have in all probability seen him within the outfield, however not on the bases but,” Schneider informed reporters. “Could try this right now. However he is undoubtedly making progress. Undoubtedly making progress along with his swing as properly.”
Bichette completed second within the main leagues to the New York Yankees’ Aaron Decide with a .311 batting common.
Bichette hasn’t performed since he was injured in a Sept. 6 collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells. He’s eligible free of charge company after the World Sequence.