LOS ANGELES, United States, Oct 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Toronto Blue Jays star George Springer has been ruled out of Tuesday's World Series game four against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to injury, the team confirmed.

Springer, the leadoff hitter in the Blue Jays lineup, exited Monday's game three defeat to the Dodgers in the seventh inning after appearing to strain his right oblique.

The 36-year-old slugger -- the 2017 World Series' Most Valuable Player during his stint with the Houston Astros -- will be replaced at the top of the line-up by left-fielder Nathan Lukes.

Springer's absence deprives Toronto of a key offensive weapon as they attempt to haul themselves back into the series after suffering a shattering 6-5 defeat in an 18-inning epic on Monday.

Blue Jays coach John Schneider had earlier Tuesday refused to rule Springer out of game four, hinting he might even play injured.

"He plays for moments like this," Schneider said shortly before the Blue Jays lineup was confirmed.

"Whenever this season's over, you guys will be surprised to see kind of how much he has grinded physically. So yeah, if he's good to go in any way, shape, or form, I want George in."