Blue Jays' Springer exits Game 5 after taking HBP off knee

Toronto Blue Jays star George Springer was removed from Game 5 of the ALCS after being hit in the kneecap by a pitch in the top of the seventh inning.

Springer was on the ground for several minutes before being helped up by manager John Schneider and a trainer. He attempted to walk it off and stay in the game before eventually limping off the field.

X-rays on Springer's knee returned negative. The 36-year-old will undergo more testing when the team returns to Toronto.

"He's got a right knee contusion," Schneider said. "He had X-rays, which were negative, which is a good thing. He'll probably do some more testing tonight when we get home. George is about as tough as they come. I think he'll have to really, really be hurting to not be in the lineup on Sunday."

Schneider also took a moment to chastise Seattle fans for booing while Springer was being checked out.

"I know this is an awesome atmosphere to play in, and it's really, really cool to play here, and I think the fans that were booing him should take a look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is and -- I'll stop there, because when a guy gets hit in the knee and is in obvious pain and have you 40,000 people cheering, not the right thing to do," Schneider said.

Joey Loperfido pinch-ran for Springer and remained in the game at DH.

Springer's remarkable comeback season has continued into the playoffs, where he's hit .256/.318/.615 with three home runs, eight extra-base hits, and six RBIs over 44 plate appearances.

Springer tied Game 5 with an RBI double in the fifth inning, his last plate appearance before the HBP.

A long-term injury to Springer would be a massive blow to Toronto's championship hopes. The former World Series MVP has been a lynchpin of the team's offense all year, putting up a .959 OPS with 32 homers and 84 RBIs during the regular season. If Springer were to be removed from the roster, he'd be ineligible to participate in the World Series should Toronto advance.

The Blue Jays have been without star shortstop Bo Bichette all postseason as he continues to recover from a knee sprain sustained in early September. They also removed outfielder Anthony Santander from the postseason roster ahead of Game 4 because of a back injury. Loperfido replaced Santander on the active roster.

The Blue Jays led the Seattle Mariners 2-1 at the time of Springer's injury but eventually lost by a score of 6-2. The Mariners now lead the series 3-2.