George Springer was back in the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup for World Series Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night after missing two games with an injury to his right side.
Springer was set to lead off as designated hitter for the Blue Jays, who led the Series 3-2 and were one win from their first title since 1993.
Springer strained his right side while taking a swing in Game 3. The 36-year-old immediately left the game after the first pitch of his plate appearance.
Bo Bichette, still regaining fitness after a sprained knee that sidelined him for seven weeks, was at second base,
Springer worked out in the batting cage and again on the field before Game 5. He appeared to be preparing to pinch run for Bo Bichette in the ninth inning, but Bichette grounded out.
Springer has the second-most leadoff homers in major league history with 63, trailing only Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson’s 81.
Springer hit a three-run homer in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against Seattle on Oct. 20, playing a major role in sending the Blue Jays to their first World Series since 1993.
That came three days after he was struck on the right kneecap by a 95.6 mph pitch from Seattle’s Bryan Woo during the ALCS, forcing him out of Game 5. Springer returned in Game 6.
Springer was the World Series MVP for the Houston Astros in 2017, when he tied a Series record by hitting five homers against the Dodgers. Los Angeles fans have booed him at Dodger Stadium since that Astros title was later tainted by the revelation of their illegal sign stealing.
