In a gripping showdown during the American League Championship Series (ALCS), George Springer faced significant adversity as he took the field for Game 7, despite nursing a sore right knee. This injury was the result of a 97 mph fastball from pitcher Bryan Woo, which struck Springer during Game 5. Yet, the resilient player remained focused on the game, rather than the reactions from Seattle fans surrounding the incident.
Before the highly anticipated Game 7, Springer emphasized that his primary concern was his health. “Ultimately at the end of the day, I’m just concerned about my health, and that’s out of my control,” he stated. “It’s just kind of one of those things where I was concerned about my knee in the moment, and I’ll go from there.” His commitment to the game is evident as he continues to play as the designated hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays.
John Schneider, the Blue Jays' manager, voiced his displeasure regarding the Seattle fans' reactions during Game 5. He critiqued the booing while Springer was down in pain and the cheering as he exited the field due to his inability to continue. The emotional atmosphere surrounding the game adds another layer of complexity to the rivalry between the Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners.
As the Blue Jays took the field for Game 7, it became evident that Springer was still grappling with the effects of the injury sustained from Woo’s fastball. In Game 6, he recorded an 0-for-4 performance, which included a strikeout and a walk. Despite this, Springer maintained a pragmatic outlook. “You just have to understand and kind of accept that nobody on the field is playing 100 percent. It’s not just you,” he remarked. “At the end of the day, I don’t really think anybody cares. If you’re out there, you’re expected to play and you’re expected to perform to the best of who you are that day.”
On the other side, the Seattle Mariners made strategic adjustments to their lineup for the decisive Game 7. Notably, Victor Robles returned to right field, replacing Dominic Canzone, who had played in Games 5 and 6. Robles, known for his superior defensive skills, was brought back to enhance the team’s performance in this critical match. Additionally, Josh Naylor was moved up to the No. 3 spot in the batting order, with Jorge Polanco shifted to fourth.
“Really Victor’s the only change,” said Dan Wilson, the Mariners' manager. “Looking at how he has swung the bat and the energy he brings to our club, it was a chance to get him in there today to make a little bit of an adjustment and change things up.”
The starting lineups for Game 7 featured key players from both teams, showcasing the depth and talent in this critical playoff matchup:
Seattle Mariners: Julio Rodríguez (CF), Cal Raleigh (C), Josh Naylor (1B), Jorge Polanco (DH), Randy Arozarena (LF), Eugenio Suárez (3B), J.P. Crawford (SS), Leo Rivas (2B), Victor Robles (RF), George Kirby (RHP) Toronto Blue Jays: George Springer (DH), Nathan Lukes (LF), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B), Alejandro Kirk (C), Daulton Varsho (CF), Ernie Clement (3B), Addison Barger (RF), Isiah Kiner-Falefa (2B), Andrés Giménez (SS), Shane Bieber (RHP)As the Blue Jays and Mariners clashed in this pivotal Game 7, the spotlight remained on George Springer and his determination to overcome injury while contributing to his team's efforts in the ALCS.
