The Blue Jays are gearing up for what’s probably their biggest game of the season — Game 6 of the ALCS against the Mariners. For the unversed, down 2–3 in the series, it’s win or go home for Toronto. One more loss means it’s done and dusted for the Jays this year. In contrast, a victory would force a decisive Game 7, but they’ll have to do it without their most consistent hitter. Because Bo Bichette still isn’t ready to return.

And to make matters worse, George Springer took a hit-by-pitch in Game 5 and had to leave urgently. But there’s finally some good news for Jays fans! Manager John Schneider shared the results of Springer’s medical tests, and they’ll definitely bring some smiles…

“Springer is feeling better today,” Schneider said on Saturday afternoon before the Blue Jays workout in Toronto. “He had a CT scan he got last night, negative. So just a contusion, as we say. But he’s getting treatment, he’s going to be doing some stuff here in a little bit, probably moving around. But feeling a lot better than he did yesterday.”

Well, in game 5, Springer took a 96-mph sinker from Bryan Woo right off his back knee that dropped him instantly in pain and frustration. He managed to limp his way to first base before being pulled from the game. However, expectations were high that Springer would be back anyhow. Why? Because this is the same guy who once took a 97-mph fastball off the helmet. He missed a couple of weeks and came back smiling like it was nothing.

And now, with the Blue Jays’ season hanging by a thread, having their .309 hitter with 32 HRs return (even if he’s banged up and hitting .256 this postseason with 3 HRs) would be massive. Springer was subjected to a surprise reaction from the Mariners when he limped off the field in Game 5, and his HC had something to say about it.

Blue Jays manager opened up about Springer getting booed

Game 5 got highlighted not only for Springer getting injured. But also for how the Mariners’ home park booed till he left the field. “I think the fans that were booing him should take a look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is. 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.” John Schneider said.

Springer has been a constant target of heckling from Mariners fans all series long. He was met with a wave of boos from the sellout crowd as he tried to get back on his feet after taking that 96-mph sinker to the knee. Grimacing in pain, he hobbled his way to first base before being replaced by pinch-runner Joey Loperfido.

Well, the reaction from the stands was a bit of a mystery as it wasn’t clear whether the jeers were aimed at George Springer because of his connection to the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal. Or if some Jays fans were actually booing Bryan Woo for drilling him.

Either way, the atmosphere turned tense, and it was obvious that Blue Jays manager John Schneider didn’t take it lightly. His frustration was written all over his face. And you could sense the team’s irritation at seeing one of their leaders get hurt in such a crucial game.