The Toronto Blue Jays are waiting until the last minute before making a decision on George Springer‘s status for Game 4 of the World Series.
Springer left Game 3 early after an awkward swing in the seventh inning, as he immediately reached for his right side and called for the Blue Jays training staff.
Toronto manager John Schneider later classified the injury as right-side discomfort and said the team was awaiting MRI results.
When Schneider met with reporters before Tuesday’s Game 4, the Blue Jays had yet to release their lineup as they await final word on whether or not Springer will be in the starting nine or on the bench.
“MRI showed that he’s hour-to-hour, day-to-day, so just see how he kind of navigates the next couple hours,” Schneider said, per Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi.
If the 36-year-old isn’t ready to go for first pitch, Bo Bichette will serve as Toronto’s designated hitter.
“Swinging will be the key to determine if (Springer’s) in there or not,” Schneider said. “He was the first one here. A lot of treatment. A lot of work. And George is going to do everything he can to be ready.”
Springer has been one of the Blue Jays’ most productive hitters all year, carrying a .959 OPS in the regular season and an .884 mark in these playoffs.
First pitch of Game 4 is set for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT with live coverage available on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
