George Springer Injury Update
George Springer’s knee took a brutal shot on Friday night, and for a moment, every Blue Jays fan held their breath. The veteran designated hitter was drilled in the right kneecap by a 95.6 mph fastball from Seattle’s Bryan Woo during Game 5 of the ALCS, and the sound of that impact echoed louder than the boos from the Mariners’ crowd. It was one of those “no way he’s staying in” moments, and sure enough, after limping halfway down the line, Springer had to surrender, replaced by Joey Loperfido. The Jays were up 2–1 when it happened, and it almost felt like the air went out of the dugout right then.
Fortunately, the postgame news wasn’t nearly as grim as it could have been. Manager John Schneider told reporters that X-rays came back negative, calling it a right knee contusion. Basically, a nasty, deep bruise, not a break, not a tear, just pain that makes every step feel like a hammer to the leg. Schneider added that Springer would “really have to be hurting” not to play in Game 6. And honestly, if you’ve followed Springer’s career, that tracks. The guy once took a 97 mph heater off the helmet, missed two weeks, and still came back grinning like nothing happened.
I’ve always admired how Springer manages to look calm even when chaos erupts. Maybe it comes from twelve seasons of postseason pressure, maybe it’s just him being wired differently. One of my favorite Springer memories actually came years ago, watching him rob a home run in his rookie season, classic George, all energy, no fear. Even now, at 36, he’s swinging like a man rewinding time: .309 average, 32 homers, and six straight playoff games with an extra-base hit before this slip-up in Seattle.
Springer limping off in Game 5 felt symbolic of the Blue Jays’ postseason journey: bruised, booed, but still standing tall. Assuming the swelling doesn’t balloon overnight, don’t be surprised if he’s back in the lineup for Game 6, knee strapped up, same determined grin, ready to launch another one into the gap because that’s George Springer, he doesn’t know how to stay down.
Disclaimer:
Information is based on official post-game statements and media reports as of October 2025. Player status may change before Game 6; follow team updates for confirmation.
