Dodgers and Blue Jays discuss what makes Shohei Ohtani a special player
USA TODAY Sports caught up with members of the Dodgers and Blue Jays ahead of the World Series to discuss the unique talents of Shoehi Ohtani .
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LOS ANGELES — George Springer is not in the Toronto Blue Jays’ Game 4 starting lineup after being considered “hour-to-hour” in the afternoon ahead of Tuesday’s game.
An MRI on Springer’s right side was negative after Game 3 and Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that the team had no plans to replace him on the roster and end his season.
Springer was already physically compromised after he was hit on the right knee in the ALCS. Schneider did not divulge the specific nature of the MRI after Game 3.
“Swinging is the key to determine if he’ll be in there,” Schneider said. “He plays for moments like this.“If he’s good to go, I want him in the lineup.”
Infielder Bo Bichette – himself compromised by a knee that kept him sidelined 48 days before the World Series – is starting at designated hitter with Springer out and the lineup had wholesale changes from one to nine.
Left fielder Nathan Lukes is the new leadoff batter, with Bichette batting third and Addison Barger hitting cleanup. With both Bichette and second baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the lineup, Schneider’s mid- and late-game lineup maneuvering will be significantly limited.
On the flip side, there’s less risk Toronto’s lineup will be diminished if the game goes extra innings. And the club is, for now, not planning on replacing Springer on the roster, leaving him in play for coming off the bench or playing Game 5. Should the Blue Jays extend the series to six games it could allow him three off days before Game 6 at Rogers Centre.
“He plays for moments like this,’ says Schneider. “If he’s good to go in any way, shape, or form, I wantGeorge in there.”
