George Springer's X-Rays on Knee Injury Negative After HBP in Blue Jays' ALCS G5 Loss

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer exited Game 5 of the American League Championship Series after being hit in the right knee by a 95.6 mph sinker from Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo.

Springer had X-rays on his knee after the game, which came back negative, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times.

"He's got a right knee contusion. He had X-rays, which were negative, which is a good thing," Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters. "George is about as tough as they come. I think he'll have to really, really be hurting to not be in the lineup on Sunday."

The moment occurred with Toronto up 2-1 with one out in the top of the seventh inning. Springer fell to the ground in pain but limped to first base with assistance by either side. However, he soon turned around and went back to the Blue Jay dugout.

Joey Loperfido replaced Springer in the lineup. The Mariners ended up winning the game 6-2 after a Cal Raleigh solo homer and a Eugenio Suárez grand slam in the eighth inning. The Mariners now lead the best-of-seven ALCS three games to two.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported on the broadcast that Springer wished to stay in the matchup. However, he was dealing with enough pain and discomfort to exit the matchup. Springer also reportedly needed help getting down the dugout steps and into the visiting team clubhouse, per Rosenthal.

The 36-year-old Springer, a four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger, enjoyed a great regular season for the Blue Jays, hitting .309 (.959 OPS) with 32 home runs and 84 RBI. He's followed that up with three homers in the postseason.

Springer hit an RBI double in the top of the fifth inning earlier in Game 5 to tie the game at one. That marked his 42nd career extra-base hit in the playoffs, putting him fifth alone all time.

Springer also has 22 lifetime playoff home runs, tying him fourth all time with ex-New York Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams.

On the bright side, the Blue Jays now have a day off before playing Game 6 in Toronto on Sunday. Perhaps that extra time away helps Springer recuperate enough to return to the lineup.

Ultimately, it's a wait-and-see approach at this point as the Blue Jays, who now face elimination in the ALCS, hope to get Springer back.