Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider provided an update on Thursday on injured outfielder/designated hitter George Springer, who has missed the last two games of the World Series because of an apparent oblique issue that caused him to leave Game 3 early. 

Based on what Schneider says, it sounds as if there's a real chance for Schneider to contribute on Friday night in Game 6. Toronto is one win away from securing its first World Series title since 1993.

John Schneider said George Springer "was right on the fence" of starting in Game 5 and "he probably could have. I was really juggling what's best for him, what's best for the team ... He was close and he was ready to come in."

Schneider believes the extra rest should help Springer and "hopefully he's good to go tomorrow," when the test will be "making sure he feels comfortable and confident, and not just for one at-bat."

"He's kind of checked every box physically so far, so see how tomorrow goes."

What a return of Springer would mean for positional alignment

Assuming that Springer is unable to play defense for a full nine-innings, it seems likely that he would start at designated hitter, which would force Bo Bichette back into the defensive alignment at second base. In that scenario, the Jays would be left with two compromised runners, but they would have two of their best offensive pieces.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa would head to the bench, and we'd probably see Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger and Daulton Varsho in the outfield.

Springer's comeback season

In the regular season, Springer hit .309 with 32 homers and 84 RBIs. He also stole 18 bases, pairing with Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to make up one of the deepest lineups in the American League.

He's hit .264 in his playoff career with 23 home runs. He was MVP of the 2017 World Series as a member of the Houston Astros. His three-run home run in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series helped send Toronto to the World Series in the first place.

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