The Toronto Blue Jays are hopeful that George Springer will be ready to play in Game 6 of the World Series on Friday. Blue Jays manager John Schneider indicated that Springer is close to returning to the lineup after missing the past two games due to an injury sustained in the postseason.
Springer, who has primarily served as a designated hitter this season, has been dealing with discomfort after multiple hits by pitches. He left Game 3 due to a midsection strain while swinging at a pitch. Schneider mentioned that Springer was close to playing in Game 5 but ultimately decided to give him more time to recover.
Despite the setbacks, Springer had an impressive regular season, hitting .309 with 32 home runs and 84 RBIs. In the playoffs, he has maintained a .246 batting average with four home runs and nine RBIs.
Both teams, the Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, conducted optional workouts at Rogers Centre after returning to Canada. Schneider shared that the team arrived back in Toronto early in the morning, facing the city’s rush hour traffic. The Blue Jays had a light workout session, with pitchers Kevin Gausman and Max Scherzer, along with outfielder Davis Schneider, taking part.
Meanwhile, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering utilizing Shohei Ohtani in various roles for Game 7 if the series extends. Ohtani, a two-way star, pitched in Game 4 and might be available as a reliever in the upcoming games. However, the Dodgers would lose their designated hitter if Ohtani enters the game as a reliever after starting as a DH.
Roberts expressed openness to exploring different strategies to tackle potential Game 7 scenarios. Ohtani’s versatility as a hitter and pitcher adds an intriguing dynamic to the Dodgers’ lineup.