George Springer will not be in the starting lineup for Game 4 of the World Series as the Toronto Blue Jays aim to even things up against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Outfielder Nathan Lukes will hit lead-off in Springer’s place, while Bo Bichette will serve as the designated hitter and bat third, with slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. moving up to second in the order.
The 36-year-old Springer left Monday’s Game 3 in the seventh inning with a right side injury. He took a swing against Dodgers’ left-hander Justin Wrobleski and immediately called the training staff out, departing the game shortly after.
“George, it’s some right side discomfort,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after Toronto’s 18-inning loss.
“He already went for a MRI. We’ll see how it comes back and see how he walks up [Tuesday], but it sucks.”
Schneider described Springer as “day-to-day” and “hour-to-hour” when talking to reporters on Tuesday.
Shane Bieber will get the ball for Toronto Tuesday night against Shohei Ohtani, coming off his 4-for-4 game with two home runs, two doubles and five walks.
The Jays trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven series with Game 5 set to go Wednesday night from Dodger Stadium. If necessary, Games 6 and 7 will be played in Toronto Friday and Saturday night.