Can the Blue Jays win the World Series without George Springer, potentially?

The Toronto Blue Jays evened the series with a Game 4 win, powered by Shane Bieber's strong pitching and a productive offense. They thrived without a key contributor. George Springer left Game 3 in the seventh inning after wincing during a swing. His MRI showed no significant damage, but he missed Game 4 due to right-sided discomfort. Springer has been crucial to the Blue Jays’ offense all season, particularly in the postseason.

He has 13 runs, nine RBIs, and four home runs, including an ALCS Game 7 three-run homer that decided the series against Seattle. He is day-to-day but remains on the roster. The Blue Jays could have replaced him with a pitcher after Game 3's 18-inning marathon, when all relievers were used.

Springer's possible absence creates a significant challenge for the Blue Jays. Even though they won Game 4, replacing his production seems unlikely. Given the uncertainty, can the Blue Jays secure two more wins and the championship without their star?

Can the Blue Jays win the World Series without George Springer, their key offensive threat?

In Game 4, Bo Bichette took over as DH, and Nathan Lukes moved to leadoff. Bichette's shift from second to DH kept him in for the whole game. In Games 1 and 3, with Bichette at second, Isaiah Kiner-Falefa pinch-ran for him later (Bichette did not start Game 2).

Having the young star play the whole game is a significant advantage. Along with Springer's Game 3 exit, Bichette was also pinch-run for in the same inning. The Blue Jays played 11 innings without two main offensive contributors, likely causing their post-seventh-inning scoring drought. No one could have predicted 18 innings, though.

If Springer is unavailable for Game 5 against Blake Snell, the Blue Jays will likely closely replicate their Game 1 lineup. Bichette would continue as DH, but with a left-handed starter, Lukes and Addison Barger may sit to avoid unfavorable matchups. This need could shift Davis Schneider and Myles Straw into the corner outfield positions, as seen in Game 1, while Kiner-Falefa would cover second base.

These moves directly reflect the impact of Springer's absence on lineup construction. Building the lineup this way for a must-win game results in three batters with averages under .190. The team needs this win especially, as Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 6—a pitcher who was unhittable in his Game 2 start, allowing just one run, four hits, and striking out eight in a complete game.

To beat Snell, the Blue Jays must repeat their Game 1 tactic of attacking the lefty early. Although Snell has excelled at home, throwing 38.1 of 52.1 innings there, posting a 1.17 ERA, and holding batters to a .188 average.

The Blue Jays' lineup is clearly more formidable with Springer, even when he's not fully healthy. He's demonstrated remarkable resilience this postseason. His current injury, however, could keep him out when the team most needs his bat. If Springer is out, the Blue Jays will face their toughest test yet in pursuit of the title.