The Toronto Blue Jays have enjoyed a resurgent season out of George Springer, the 36-year-old former Astros star. For the first time in four years, Springer had an OPS over .900 this season.
Springer has played a significant role in a Blue Jays lineup that has powered the team on an ALCS run in the 2025 postseason, seeking to make a return to the World Series for the first time in decades. However, slotted in Friday's ALCS Game 5 against the Seattle Mariners as a leadoff designated hitter, Springer was forced to exit due to injury.
In the top of the seventh, Seattle right-hander Bryan Woo appeared to hit Springer in the knee, and he left the game afterward. The Mariners went on to claim a 6-2 victory, taking a 3-2 series lead.
Here's the latest updates on Springer after leaving ALCS Game 5.
MORE: Breaking down the Blue Jays' playoff history
George Springer injury updates
Springer was 1-3 in Friday's pivotal matchup when he came to the plate in the top of the seventh, already with an RBI double in the game. With the Blue Jays up 2-1 in Game 5, Springer stepped in against Woo, a typical starter who came out of the bullpen.
On Woo's third pitch to Springer though, a 95 mph sinker, the ball appeared to directly connect with Springer's right knee.
Springer immediately went down to the ground in pain, clutching at his leg as coaches and trainers came in to check on him.
George Springer took a pitch to his kneecap.pic.twitter.com/5T1fPn6g2z
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 18, 2025
Springer attempted to walk to first, but was limping far too much to stay in the game.
Springer tried to take first base but was ultimately removed from the game https://t.co/z3QrCrMm5A pic.twitter.com/lc3olXCMTn
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 18, 2025
Ultimately, Springer did not take first base upon being hit by the pitch. He exited the game, as Joey Loperfido came in as a pinch-runner.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said postgame that Springer has a "right knee contusion," per Andrew Destin, as the star's X-rays came back negative.
"He's got a right knee contusion. He had X-rays, which were negative, which is a good thing," Schneider said postgame, per ESPN. "George is about as tough as they come. I think he'll have to really, really be hurting to not be in the lineup on Sunday."
Schneider also commented about some Mariners fans appearing to boo as Springer limped to first base.
"I think the fans that were booing him should take a look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is," Schneider said, per ESPN. "And -- I'll stop there because when a guy gets hit in the knee and is in obvious pain and you have 40,000 people cheering, not the right thing to do."
The veteran outfielder and designated hitter has 10 hits, three homers and a .917 OPS in the 2025 postseason so far. He's been one of Toronto's key bats all year, also among the all-time leaders in MLB postseason history with 22.
Springer's status moving forward in the ALCS remains to be seen, but he did avoid a knee fracture or any other serious ailment that would have shown in X-rays.