LOS ANGELES – The Blue Jays had not given up on the idea Wednesday that George Springer could still play a role for the team in the World Series.
Springer did not play in the Blue Jays’ 6-1 Game 5 victory on Wednesday night – leaving Monday’s game with side discomfort from a swing – but manager John Schneider did not rule out an appearance by the veteran DH/outfielder off the bench. The World Series returns to Toronto on Friday night, where the Jays hold a 3-2 lead.
Springer worked out pregame and hit against the speed, according to Schneider.
“I think he’s feeling better than he expected and better than we expected him to feel, which says a lot,” Schneider said.
“If he can pinch hit, I think he’ll be ready for that. George has made significant progress.”
Springer, the team’s leadoff hitter, has an .884 OPS this postseason.
“He’s had an incredible year and I think he’s done a phenomenal job of setting the tone for us, not only on the board, but in the clubhouse and keeping an eye on the guys,” Schneider said. “It was a lot of fun after a difficult year last year for him and us. The production is the production, but I think the way he goes about his daily life with everyone in there is just as important.”
The slumping Andy Pages was benched by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, while Enrique Hernández moved to center field and Alex Call started in left field and went 0-of-2 with a walk.
Pages started the day with a dismal .215 OPS this postseason.
Hernández homered in the third for the Dodgers’ lone run.
With an “all hands on deck” mentality once the series shifts to Toronto for Game 6 (and possibly a seventh game), Roberts indicated that Shohei Ohtani would be available to return to the mound.
The righthander started Game 4 on Tuesday and allowed four earned runs over six innings.
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