George Springer injury update: Toronto Blue Jays veteran fights through pain to power a tense World Series Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers

George Springer didn’t just return to the lineup — he returned with fire. After missing two straight games with a right-side strain, the veteran outfielder was back in the Toronto Blue Jays’ order for Game 6 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.

Leading off as the designated hitter, Springer grounded out to shortstop Mookie Betts in his first at-bat, but his presence alone shifted the tone in the dugout. For a Blue Jays team chasing its first championship since 1993, having its emotional leader back on the field mattered as much as his bat.Springer’s comeback comes less than 72 hours after leaving Game 3 in visible pain. His injury update, which initially worried fans, has now turned into one of the most talked-about storylines of the Series.

“He’s tough,” manager John Schneider said before Game 6. “I think any hitter, when you kind of feel something there, you get a little worried. I think that kind of scares guys a little bit but I’m really happy that he’s back.

”

Manager John Schneider hails Springer’s resilience, says risk of aggravation won’t hold the veteran back

Before the must-win Game 6, Schneider confirmed Springer had “made significant progress in the last 48 hours,” clearing him for the designated hitter role. The Blue Jays’ skipper added that while there’s always an element of risk in playing through pain, the veteran’s determination outweighed the caution.

“There’s always some risk, too,” Schneider explained. “There’s a difference between being injured and hurting.

He’s not injured right now. But yeah, there’s always a risk.”Springer reportedly tested his swing in the cage and on the field before Game 5, even preparing to pinch-run if needed. Schneider said the staff had considered using him in a limited capacity earlier but wanted to give him the extra rest. “He was pretty close two days ago,” Schneider said.

“If we needed him, he was going to come into the game in some capacity. He’s a gamer, man. Ready to go.”

Bo Bichette’s recovery and lineup return add another emotional lift to Toronto’s World Series push

Springer wasn’t the only one gutting it out for Toronto. Bo Bichette, who missed seven weeks with a sprained knee, also returned to the starting lineup at second base — giving the Blue Jays a crucial offensive and emotional boost. The duo’s return turned Game 6 into a defining moment for Toronto’s postseason story, where resilience seemed to outweigh rust.As the Toronto Blue Jays fought the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 3–2 Series lead, Springer’s presence symbolized something larger than a lineup change — it was a statement of intent. Even if his stat line doesn’t tell the full story, his grit, leadership, and ability to show up under pressure have once again proven why he remains one of baseball’s toughest postseason performersAlso read: Dave Roberts’ unexpected race with Hyeseong Kim at Dodgers’ camp spirals into a hilarious moment fans can’t stop talking about