Blue Jays' Springer hit, fans' cheers draw sharp criticism in ALCS

George Springer was left writhing in pain on the T-Mobile Park turf Friday after being hit in the right kneecap by a 95.6-mph sinker from Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo. What followed drew a mix of cheers and boos from Seattle fans, a reaction that did not sit well with the visiting Toronto Blue Jays.

Springer, a key figure in Toronto’s lineup and a former member of the AL West-rival Houston Astros, tried to test his leg while running down the first-base line. The initial cheers from the crowd quickly turned to boos as he struggled to get up, prompting criticism from his teammates.

Players Condemn Fans’ Reaction

"It's bull----," Ernie Clement said in the visitors’ clubhouse following the Blue Jays’ 6-2 loss. "I don't know how you boo somebody who was down on the ground. I think they've been awesome throughout the series, but that was pretty classless."

Myles Straw added: "There's no room for that. How would those guys like it if they got hit by 95 anywhere and we laughed at it? It's not a good feeling."

The reaction is believed to stem, in part, from Springer's past involvement in the Astros' 2017 sign-stealing scandal, which left him a frequent target of boos during the series.

Manager John Schneider Responds

Blue Jays manager John Schneider acknowledged the "awesome atmosphere" at T-Mobile Park but criticized the fans’ treatment of Springer.

"I think the fans that were booing him should take a look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is," Schneider said. "Because when a guy gets hit in the knee and is in obvious pain and you have 40,000 people cheering, that’s not the right thing to do."

Springer’s Health Update

X-rays came back negative, and Springer has been diagnosed with a right knee contusion. He is expected to undergo additional testing upon the team’s arrival in Toronto.

"George is about as tough as they come," Schneider said. "He’ll have to be really, really hurting to not be in the lineup on Sunday."

Springer, 36, has had a standout 2025 season, hitting 32 home runs and finishing third in MLB with a .959 OPS behind only Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. He has carried that form into the playoffs, posting a .933 OPS with three home runs, five doubles, and six RBIs in nine October games.

Game Context

Springer’s fifth-inning double off Mariners’ reliever Matt Brash tied Game 5 before the Blue Jays eventually fell 6-2, leaving them on the brink of elimination down 3-2 in the ALCS.

Toronto and Seattle will return to Rogers Centre in Toronto after a workout day on Saturday, with Game 6 set for Sunday night.

Team Concern for Superstar

Losing Springer would be a major blow to the Blue Jays’ lineup, especially after already losing Bo Bichette to injury.

"George is obviously one of our superstars," Straw said. "Seeing him get on his feet was a good sign, even if he was limping. He’s tough and has played through a lot this year. Hopefully, we’ll see him in Game 6."

Springer’s teammates are hopeful that his resilience and experience will keep him in the lineup for the pivotal game.