Springer in Game 6 lineup after HBP injury scare

Toronto Blue Jays star slugger George Springer is in the lineup for Game 6.

Springer, who left Game 5 of the ALCS in the seventh inning after a pitch hit him squarely in the kneecap, was included in the lineup as the designated hitter for Sunday's must-win contest at Rogers Centre against the Seattle Mariners.

The 36-year-old will hit out of his familiar leadoff spot.

Springer fell to the ground in intense pain after Bryan Woo's 96-mph sinker struck him during his third at-bat of Friday's game. He spent several minutes on the ground and initially tried to remain in the contest but was ultimately lifted for a pinch runner.

Initial fears of a serious knee injury were quelled somewhat when X-rays returned negative, and Springer was diagnosed with a contusion. Manager John Schneider was optimistic Saturday, saying the four-time All-Star was "feeling a lot better." Still, Springer's status for Sunday's game remained unclear until the lineup was announced.

Springer has been an offensive spark plug for the Blue Jays this postseason, and he's been crushing Mariners pitching during the ALCS. He's hitting .318/.375/.727 with two homers and four RBIs in this series and had an RBI double in Game 5 two innings before his exit. Overall, the former World Series MVP owns a .934 OPS with eight extra-base hits during the 2025 playoffs.

Seattle leads 3-2 in the ALCS, and the Blue Jays must win Sunday night to force a Game 7 on Monday in Toronto.