It was tough to watch Springer on the ground. Fortunately, he was able to get up, but he ultimately had to exit the game after trying to go to first base, as reported by RJ Anderson of CBS, marking a significant loss for the Blue Jays.

“Springer initially tried to stay in the game, but after heading to first base he retreated to the dugout, all the while visibly limping,“ Anderson wrote in his CBS article. “Springer was replaced by fellow outfielder Joey Loperfido, who was only added to the roster on Thursday, replacing injured outfielder Anthony Santander.”

Pitch velocity and Fan reaction

The pitch from Woo that struck Springer was clocked at 95.6 mph, a dangerous velocity to hit any exposed area, particularly the knee, which lacks muscular protection.

One of the most unfortunate spectacles seen and heard at the ballpark after Woo hit Springer was the Mariners fans reportedly cheering, as noted by both SleeperAstros and Jenn Smith, a writer who frequently covers the Blue Jays.

“Poor sportsmanship by Mariners fans booing George Springer when their pitcher Bryan Woo hit him on the kneecap. Regardless of which side you’re on – it is wrong,” wrote Rebecca Yu, a Blue Jays fan.

George Springer has been playing with the Toronto Blue Jays since the 2021 MLB season when he signed a six-year $150m contract with them. He is one of the top players on the team but a couple of injuries kept Springer from showing his talent last season.

Another team that will not have players in the starting lineup is the Houston Astros (Springer’s ex-team), it is unfortunate but the managers did not choose any of the Astros’ to play as starters. Anyway, the All-Star game will be worth watching.

Why is George Springer not playing in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game?

Springer will not be in the MLB All-Star Game because he decided to rest his elbow. He was in the group of four Jay’s players who were called to play in the All-Star Game. Aside from Springer, Santiago Espinal will play for the American League team to replace Jose Altuve.

So far most of the announced players will be available in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, with some exceptions due to injuries such as Mike Trout who will not be available as he is recovering from a back injury

The outfielder declined the $18.9 million qualifying offer the Houston Astros made him a couple of months ago and he’s one of the most clutch and provenplayers in the world, meaning he’s looking for a way more lucrative deal.

That could be tricky right now given the context of the pandemic and how most teams are wary of spending a lot of money. Then again, he’s still got a couple of suitors lining up to offer him a big paycheck.

Blue Jays, Mets Lead The Race For George Springer

According to a report by Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets are currently leading the race for Springer’s services and he could make a decision as soon as this week:

“George Springer’s free agent decision could come this week, multiple industry sources believe. The #BlueJays and #Mets are the two frontrunners as of today,” Morosi tweeted.

Apparently, the Blue Jays and Mets are the only two ball clubs that would be willing to make a big investment right now, and with J.T. Realmuto, DJ LeMahieu, and Trevor Bauer reportedly off the table, Springer could be their most desired asset in the offseason.

Then again, MLB.com reports that the Blue Jays could have a slight advantage in Springers’sweepstakes, as the New York Mets don’t want to get over thecompetitive balance tax (CBT), which is complicated after already landing Carlos Carrasco and Francisco Lindor.

The Blue Jays have struck out on most of their offseason targets right now and they’d have to part ways with a draft pick to sign Springer, but the reports statethat they’re willing to offer him 9 figures if that’s what it takes to take him up north.

Needless to say, that will be easier said than done considering how many great and competitive teams we see in the league right now. Then again, most of them will be wary of spending too much due to the pandemic.

That’s when Cohen must sweep in and make the most of the chance of landing a top-tier player at a discount. However, it seems like the newest team owner in MLB won’t settle for one, two, or even three stars, as he’s reportedly trying to sign four top-notch guys right now.

MLB Rumors: New York Mets To Pursue Bauer, Lindor, Springer, And Realmuto

According to The Athletic and MLB.com, Cohen and the Mets are ready to make a run at Trevor Bauer, Francisco Lindor, George Springer, and JT Realmuto, which are pretty much four of the most sought-after players in the league right now.

And, while their names weren’t brought up in the report, some believe that they could pursue a trade for Carlos Correa – who’s reportedly going to be moved – or lure AL batting champion DJ LeMahieu away from the New York Yankees.

It goes without saying that, should the Mets land at least two of those four stars, they should instantly become a legit contender, especially considering that they already feature one of the strongest rotations in the world.

This is the perfect time for Steve Cohen to make a statement and prove that he’s for real, and God knows that Mets fans have been through enough already. It’s time to compete at the highest level again.