Jays optimistic Springer to be available for Game 6

TORONTO -- Blue Jays manager John Schneider says helium is optimistic George Springer volition beryllium disposable against the Seattle Mariners successful Game 6 of the AL Championship Series successful Toronto connected Sunday night.

"Feeling a batch amended than helium did yesterday," Schneider said Saturday.

Springer, Toronto's leadoff hitter, was struck connected the close kneecap by a 95.6 mph transportation from Bryan Woo successful the seventh inning of Friday's 6-2 nonaccomplishment and near the game.

Seattle leads the best-of-seven bid 3-2.

The 36-year-old Springer, a four-time All-Star, is hitting .256 with 3 location runs and 5 doubles this postseason. His 22 vocation playoff homers are tied with Bernie Williams for 4th most.

Schneider said Springer got attraction connected Saturday and was expected to trial his genu successful a squad workout.

"Just marque definite that it's not bothering him swinging and not bothering him running," Schneider said. "But he's a pugnacious dude, truthful I'm hopeful and optimistic that he'll beryllium bully to go."

Springer fell to the crushed aft being struck by Woo's pitch, and stayed down successful the batter's container portion Schneider and trainer Drew MacDonald came retired from the dugout. Springer walked gingerly toward first, attempted to tally a fewer steps, past walked disconnected and was replaced by pinch-runner Joey Loperfido.

Schneider said injured shortstop Bo Bichette inactive hasn't tally the bases since pulling up successful an effort past Saturday, the time earlier the ALCS began.

"You guys person astir apt seen him successful the outfield, but not connected the bases yet," Schneider told reporters. "May bash that today. But he's decidedly making progress. Definitely making advancement with his plaything arsenic well."

Bichette finished 2nd successful the large leagues to the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge with a .311 batting average.

Bichette hasn't played since helium was injured successful a Sept. 6 collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells. He is eligible for escaped bureau aft the World Series.