"Yoshinobu Yamamoto should’ve just drilled George Springer in the head" - Fans erupt as Jays’ injured slugger torches Dodgers’ $325M ace in Game 6

The Toronto Blue Jays' hitting lineup received a big boost for their World Series Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers as veteran slugger George Springer returned to the lineup.

Springer, who sustained a side strain on a swing in Game 3, leading to an early exit from the game, missed the following two games at Dodger Stadium. The former World Series MVP came through for the Blue Jays by driving in a run off Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whonsigned a $325 million deal with the Dodgers before the 2024 season, to make it 3-1.

Fans reacted to Springer scoring the first runs for the Blue Jays on his return to the lineup.

"Should’ve just drilled him in the head." "Owns us unfortunately, with or without a buzzer." "What’s that on Springer’s left wrist, asking for a friend….." "Springer so good he lives rent free in everyone’s head." "Check swing should have been called and it should have been 2-1. Much different pitch comes if it’s 2-1 over 3-0. Insane."

The former Houston Astros slugger has faced backlash from Dodgers fans in the series for his involvement in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal and he was struck by Yamamoto's pitch on the wrist in Game 2 of the series.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider admits "risk" on George Springer's return in Game 6

Ahead of the Game at Rogers Centre on Friday, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said he was worried after George Springer after his exit from Game 3.

"It wasn't great,” Schneider said. “He's tough. I think any hitter, when you kind of feel something there, you get a little worried. I think that kind of scares guys a little bit but I'm really happy that he's back.”

However, Schneider admitted Springer's inclusion in the lineup for Game 6 came on the back of the fact he couldn't aggravate his injury.

"That's kind of how we're approaching it,” Schneider said. “There's always some risk, too. There's a difference between being injured and hurting. He's not injured right now. But yeah, there's always a risk.”

The veteran designated hitter has been a talisman for the Blue Jays in the postseason, alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and continues to play through pain as Toronto chases its first World Series title since 1993.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash