UPDATE: In a critical Game 6 of the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays welcome back designated hitter George Springer, aiming to clinch their first championship since 1993. The Los Angeles Dodgers, facing elimination, are adjusting their lineup with Mookie Betts moving to cleanup in a desperate bid to force a Game 7.
Springer, who missed the last two games due to a right-side muscle strain suffered during a swing in Game 3, is set to lead off for the Blue Jays as they take the field on Friday. Toronto currently holds a 3-2 series lead and is just one win away from securing the title.
As the Dodgers seek to extend the series, Betts’ shift to cleanup marks the first time he has batted this low in the lineup since September 2017 with the Boston Red Sox. This season, he has typically occupied the second spot. In the World Series, Betts has struggled, hitting just 3-for-23, including a disappointing 0-for-4 performance with two strikeouts in Game 5.
“We need to find an offensive spark,” Dodgers manager stated, emphasizing the urgency after his team managed only three runs and ten hits across their last two games.
Toronto manager John Schneider revealed that Springer was “right on the fence” of returning for Game 5, showing how critical his presence is to the Blue Jays’ hopes. The 36-year-old has made history with 63 leadoff homers, placing him second only to Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.
Springer’s return is pivotal; just days ago, he hit a three-run homer in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, propelling Toronto to this World Series after a long drought. The Blue Jays will also see Bo Bichette playing second base for the third time this series, a position he hadn’t played at the major league level before.
As the tension mounts in Toronto, the Blue Jays are on the brink of history, while the Dodgers are fighting to keep their championship dreams alive. Will the Blue Jays seal the deal, or can the Dodgers force a decisive Game 7? Fans are on the edge of their seats as Game 6 unfolds.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as this thrilling chapter of the World Series continues to evolve.