Springer Omitted From Game 4 After MRI

George Springer exited Game 3 at Dodger Stadium in the seventh inning after fouling a pitch and grabbing his right side, and underwent an MRI after the Blue Jays' 18-inning, 6–5 loss that left Toronto trailing Los Angeles 2–1 in the World Series. The MRI left his status "hour-to-hour, day-to-day" with right-side/oblique discomfort, and manager John Schneider said swinging would determine Springer's availability. Toronto kept Springer on its World Series roster rather than replacing him, but he was omitted from the Game 4 starting lineup. Nathan Lukes was penciled to lead off and play left, Bo Bichette shifted to DH, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa was set to start at second with Ty France available off the bench. Springer has been a postseason catalyst (about a .930 OPS and four postseason home runs), so the club is being cautious and will rely on depth while hoping to get him back later in the series.