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Looking at what the Blue Jays lineup could look like without George Springer
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Photo credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Oct 29, 2025, 17:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 29, 2025, 17:42 EDT
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It looks like George Springer could be in the Toronto Blue Jays lineup.
Before Wednesday’s Game 5, the Blue Jays’ designated hitter was taking reps in the outfield and taking swings. While it’s unclear as of yet whether he’ll be in the lineup, what will the Blue Jays do if he isn’t in the lineup?
It was reported that Bo Bichette will be in the lineup no matter what, with his position depending on whether Springer starts. If Springer doesn’t start, Bichette will play as the team’s designated hitter, meaning that he’ll likely stay in the game without being pulled.
With Bichette filling in as the designated hitter, it means that the Jays will likely have to turn to Isiah Kiner-Falefa to play second base, which isn’t ideal. So far this postseason, Kiner-Falefa is slashing .152/.176/.212 with two doubles in 35 plate appearances for a 4 wRC+. He’s also made defensive errors at second base and some base-running errors.
Alternatively, the Jays could turn to Davis Schneider to play second base. The 26-year-old is good enough defensively to play the key stone, but he also has a lot more potential with the bat. This postseason, Schneider is slashing .188/.316/.250 with no home runs in 19 plate appearances for a 70 wRC+. During the regular season, Schneider slashed .234/.361/.436 with 11 home runs in 227 plate appearances for a 127 wRC+, so all he needs is an opportunity.
With lefty Blake Snell on the mound for the Dodgers, the Jays will have Addison Barger in the starting lineup. The 25-year-old is capable of playing both third base and the outfield. If he were to play third base on Wednesday, that would push Ernie Clement to second base if Bichette is filling in as the designated hitter.
Then the Jays could fill the hole left by Springer in the outfield. Schneider is the best bet, but the Jays could also turn to Myles Straw for the game.
Either way, the Jays have a ton of versatility in their lineup, but let’s hope that Springer is ready to go before Wednesday’s Game 5.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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