Is George Springer Playing Tonight? Latest Injury Update for World Series Game 4

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer will not start in Game 4 of the 2025 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The decision comes after he experienced discomfort on his right side during Monday’s marathon 18-inning Game 3 in Los Angeles. The team confirmed he remains “hour-to-hour,” but an MRI showed no structural damage.

Manager John Schneider said before the game that the team is “not planning to replace him on the roster,” a sign they hope Springer can return later in the series. The veteran leadoff man, already nursing a sore knee from the ALCS, has been a key spark for Toronto’s offense throughout the postseason.

George Springer Injury Details and Blue Jays Lineup Adjustments

The Blue Jays announced that Springer’s MRI was precautionary, and results came back negative. While the issue is not believed to be serious, Schneider emphasized that “swinging is the key” to determining when he’ll return. Springer has been advised to rest and will be re-evaluated before Game 5.

In his absence, Toronto made several notable lineup shifts for Game 4. Outfielder Nathan Lukes leads off, while shortstop Bo Bichette moves into the designated hitter role and bats third. Addison Barger takes cleanup duties, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa remains at second base. These adjustments reduce Toronto’s flexibility for late-inning substitutions but preserve offensive balance against the Dodgers’ right-handed pitching.

Springer’s absence is significant — he has hit .279 with three home runs and 10 RBIs this postseason, including key moments in the ALCS. Without him, Toronto loses both his bat and his veteran leadership atop the order. However, the team remains optimistic that the extra rest and off-day between Games 5 and 6 could allow him to return in time for a potential home-field finish at Rogers Centre.

How Springer’s Absence Impacts Toronto’s World Series Push

Springer’s injury comes at a critical point in the series, with Toronto trailing 2-1. His ability to get on base and energize the dugout has been essential in Toronto’s playoff success. Without him, Schneider’s bench options shrink, forcing the team to rely on defensive versatility rather than power hitting off the bench.

For now, the Blue Jays are taking a cautious but hopeful approach. “If he’s good to go in any way, shape, or form, I want George in there,” Schneider said. His return could hinge on how his body responds over the next two days. If Toronto pushes the series to six games, Springer would have three off-days to recover before Game 6 at home.

In summary: George Springer is out of the Blue Jays’ starting lineup for Game 4 but has not been ruled out for the remainder of the series. Toronto will reassess his status daily, keeping hopes alive that their star outfielder can make a late-series return.

FYI (keeping you in the loop) –

Q1: Is George Springer playing tonight?

No. Springer is not in the starting lineup for Game 4 of the World Series.

Q2: What is George Springer’s injury?

He’s dealing with a right-side issue that flared up in Game 3. An MRI showed no major damage.

Q3: Will he return later in the World Series?

The team hopes so. No roster move has been made, which suggests optimism he’ll return in Game 5 or 6.

Q4: Who replaces Springer in the Blue Jays lineup?

Nathan Lukes leads off in left field, and Bo Bichette serves as designated hitter.

Q5: What has manager John Schneider said about his status?

Schneider said Springer is “hour-to-hour” and emphasized, “If he’s good to go, I want him in the lineup.”