Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer left Game 5 of the American League Championship Series Friday after being hit by a pitch on the right kneecap.
Facing right-hander Bryan Woo in the seventh, Springer took a fastball directly to his back knee and collapsed to the ground in obvious pain. He stayed down for a while and was attended to by the training staff and manager John Schneider.
After attempting to jog up the first baseline, Springer walked slowly back to the dugout while Joey Loperfido took his place at first base.
Loperfido was added to the Blue Jays’ ALCS roster on Thursday after Toronto got approval from Major League Baseball to remove injured Anthony Santander.
Springer was 1-for-3 with an RBI double prior to leaving the game. His knock in the fifth inning tied the game 1-1. The Jays led 2-1 at the time of Springer’s departure.
Game 6 of the ALCS will go Sunday evening in Toronto and if necessary, Game 7 will be played Monday night.
