Blue Jays’ George Springer sits out Game 5 of World Series

LOS ANGELES — Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer didn’t play in Toronto’s 6-1 victory against the Dodgers in Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday, even though manager John Schneider indicated he could be available off the bench.

Springer, who also missed Game 4 after leaving Game 3 early with right side discomfort, did some hitting in the batting cage and some running prior to Wednesday’s game.

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“George is feeling better,” Schneider said. “I think better than he expected to feel, better than we expected him to feel, which is saying a lot.”

Bo Bichette served as the DH in place of Springer in Game 5 while Isiah Kiner-Falefa started at second base.

The 36-year-old Springer left Monday’s contest after taking an awkward swing in the seventh inning of the Dodgers’ eventual 18-inning victory. He is 3-for-11 with two runs scored in the World Series, which is tied 2-2.

Springer has been a key member of the Blue Jays’ postseason run, but he watched another game from the bench before the Series takes a day off Thursday. With the extra time to heal, it means Springer could be ready for Friday’s Game 6 in Toronto.

“He’s had an unbelievable year, and I think that he has done a phenomenal job of kind of setting the tone for us, not just at the plate but in the clubhouse and keeping tabs on guys,” Schneider said. “It’s been fun to watch him. It’s been really fun after a tough year last year for him and us.”