Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer departed from Monday night’s Championship Series Game 3 versus the Los Angeles Dodgers following an evident torso affliction. Springer, whose position was taken by experienced infielder Ty France, similarly had to leave a game during the ALCS versus the Seattle Mariners after being struck on his right knee by a stray pitch from right-handed pitcher Bryan Woo.
Springer, age 36, signaled for the medical personnel subsequent to making an initial-pitch swing to commence the top half of the seventh inning. He clutched at his right torso, and despite no official announcement concerning the injury, that gesture typically suggests an oblique or intercostal muscle issue.
Here’s an observation of the event in question:
Prior to Game 3, Springer’s batting record for the month’s initial 13 postseason games was .259/.339/.593, including four dingers and nine runs batted in.
Springer had been a prominent subject prior to Game 3, as reporters inquired of manager John Schneider (among others) regarding the probable reaction of the Dodger Stadium audience towards him. Recall, the Dodgers harbored resentment towards Springer due to his association with the Houston Astros during their sign-stealing occurrence.
“I am aware that he possesses preparation. He has been confronting that issue for an extended duration,” Schneider expressed on Monday. “That’s simply how it is. I believe that I, in my managerial capacity, likely become more incensed than he does because there is invariably this element of safeguarding your players.
“However, I don’t anticipate it will energize the squad, nor do I foresee it directly influencing the actions of any participant, and I don’t believe it will exert any influence on George’s performance. George undeniably ranks among the premier Championship Series performers in the annals of the sport. Therefore, I believe that the spectators are entitled to voice their opinions or sentiments; that’s acceptable. George possesses an exceptional capacity to sustain his focus and presence on his activities.”
