As crushing as it felt, the Blue Jays believed they entered game 5 with the best available pitcher on the mound. And yet, eventually Friday’s 6-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park served as a harsh reminder of how costly in-game pitching decisions can be. Now, as everything they’ve worked for all season comes online ahead of game 6, manager John Schneider has sent a clear ultimatum to Vladimir Jr. and Co.

“We’re trying to win one game in a row. We’ve done that 99 times this year.” Schneider said. The Blue Jays are trailing 3-2 in the series. It makes Game 6 a do-or-die game for them.

A loss this Sunday ends their playoff run. Whereas a win forces a decisive Game 7, keeping their World Series hopes alive. To bounce back smarter in Game 6, Schneider will turn to 22-year-old rookie Trey Yesavage.

The Blue Jays will hope to see the same Yesavage on Sunday who brutally dominated the New York Yankees during the ALDS. The rising sensation was electric in Game 2’s 13-7 victory. He threw 5.1 shutout innings and struck out 11 batters.

Their Game 5 defeat can be attributed to their most debated call. They started the fateful five-run frame with Brendon Little instead of turning to closer Jeff Hoffman or setup man Seranthony Domínguez.

While Little ended up giving up Cal Raleigh’s game-tying solo homer and two walks, Domínguez entered and allowed Eugenio Suárez’s grand slam. The Blue Jays made this polarizing call, believing that Little’s profile gave them a better chance to handle that stretch of elite hitters.

However, their decision for game 6 to turn to Yesavage could turn out to be just as risky. “I don’t want to put all of the pressure on Trey. He’s the starting pitcher. We’re going to have nine guys in the lineup that have got to do their job and guys that have got to do their job on defense, too.” Schneider admitted ahead of Sunday.

Toronto finds itself in this do-or-die spot also because of how their usually reliable bullpen stumbled on Friday. But now, looking ahead to Game 6, the Blue Jays are feeling more optimistic than they did for Game 5, as George Springer is expected to return to the lineup.

Blue Jays’ George Springer could be available against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday

Blue Jays manager John Schneider recently expressed his hope for George Springer’s return for Game 6 of the ALCS on Sunday night in Toronto.

“He’s feeling a lot better than he did yesterday,” Schneider said on Saturday. Springer had to make an early exit from Friday’s 6-2 loss. Apparently, he was hit on the right kneecap by a 95.6 mph pitch from Seattle Mariners’ Bryan Woo in the seventh inning.

Springer happens to be a crucial piece for the Blue Jays as the 36-year-old is hitting .256 this postseason with three home runs and five doubles. His 22 career playoff homers make him join the historic company of Bernie Williams for the fourth-most all-time.

As Schneider said, Springer received the required treatment on Saturday. He is expected to test his knee during a team workout.

“Just make sure that it’s not bothering him swinging and not bothering him running. But he’s a tough dude. So, I’m hopeful and optimistic that he’ll be good to go.” He said.

After being hit by Woo’s pitch, Springer fell to the ground right away. He stayed down for a while in the batter’s box, and Schneider, along with trainer Drew MacDonald, came rushing from the dugout.

Springer was able to walk but was visibly struggling to get to first. He attempted to run a few steps and then walked off before he was replaced by pinch-runner Joey Loperfido. Now, everything comes down to Sunday’s outcome for the Blue Jays!