Published on: October 19, 2025, 04:41h.
Updated on: October 19, 2025, 04:53h.
The lineups are finalized for tonight’s crucial Game 6 of the American League Championship Series featuring the Blue Jays and the Mariners at the Rogers Centre (8:03 p.m. EST). The Los Angeles Dodgers, led by Shohei Ohtani, await the series winner for a potential World Series matchup.
Springer Returns Following Injury Scare
The standout news for the Blue Jays is George Springer’s unexpected return to the lineup. After taking a 96-mph fastball to the kneecap late in Game 5, it seemed his chances of playing in Game 6 were slim.
However, the team confirmed his inclusion as DH at the top of the order for tonight’s game. Springer, the Jays’ MVP this season, is among the American League’s top hitters, making his comeback a significant boost.
As noted previously, the emotional rollercoaster for Canadian sports fans is unparalleled. Following Friday’s 6-2 loss in Game 5, which gave the Mariners a 3-2 lead in the series, the mood has been grim. The Mariners can secure their World Series berth with a victory tonight.
Criticism for Schneider’s Game 5 Strategy
Manager John Schneider has faced substantial criticism for his puzzling decision to bring in reliever Brendon Little during the critical 8th inning of Game 5, especially with a 2-1 lead and facing MVP candidate Cal Raleigh. The Jays had proven closers Jeff Hoffman and Seranthony Dominguez available for a head-to-head confrontation against Raleigh and Seattle’s hitters. As commentators noted, best-on-best is the way to go, and at least if it fails, you did so with your strongest players.
Little’s performance had been mediocre for the past two months, and as former player and broadcaster Caleb Joseph pointed out, the lack of confidence displayed by Little was evident. This allowed the Mariners to capitalize on the doubts. Raleigh hit a home run, Little walked two batters, and Dominguez subsequently allowed a grand slam to Eugenio Suarez, sealing the Mariners’ win.
Awaiting Ohtani and the Dodgers
The emotional journey for Blue Jays fans went from the high of Max Scherzer’s impressive win in Game 4, which tied the series, to deep concern due to Schneider’s decision to stick with Little. Schneider’s post-game press conference, filled with frustration, didn’t help matters. Broadcasters Joe Siddall and Kevin Pillar, both former players, expressed their displeasure with the managerial choice.
The Jays had tied the series and were leading 2-1 with just six outs remaining, only to see the series momentum shift dramatically to the Mariners.
Yesavage Aims for Redemption
Despite being a candidate for Manager of the Year due to the Jays’ 94-win season, Schneider should remember that even past award winners have faced early exits—like Raptors’ coach Sam Mitchell after the 2006-07 season. What Schneider did in Game 5 raises the question of whether that was a fireable offense.
Sticking to his choice, Schneider defended Little in today’s pre-game briefing: “You need to be well-prepared, resolute in your decision, and trust your team to get you here. Once you decide, you must move on.”
“I’ve lost a lot of sleep over the years when things have gone wrong, and when they go right, it doesn’t magically restore my sleep. It’s all about understanding your position and doing what’s best for the group.”
Guerrero Jr. Dominating the Postseason
Tonight’s game presents an opportunity for the Jays to regain momentum, especially with Game 7 expected tomorrow in Toronto. It’s hard to believe an elite home team like the Blue Jays might drop three home games concurrently (they already did lose Games 1 and 2). Additionally, Mariners’ pitcher Logan Gilbert shows significantly stronger stats at home, boasting a 2.24 ERA and an opponent batting average of .158, compared to his 4.74, .261, and .767 on the road.
For the Jays, let’s hope to see the last of Little. Should starter Trey Yesavage struggle, Schneider and pitching coach Pete Walker will move to the bullpen swiftly. The Mariners have previously knocked the rookie out in four innings during Game 2 after scoring five runs.
Jays Enter as Favorites in Betting
Moreover, the Mariners have struggled to handle Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is putting on a phenomenal postseason display with a .457 batting average, .524 on-base percentage, and an impressive .971 slugging percentage, including 5 home runs and 7 hits in 11 at-bats with five extra base hits over the last three games against Seattle.
A glance at the sportsbooks shortly before the first pitch shows:
Moneyline at ESPN Bet features Blue Jays -130, Mariners +100, Jays’ spread -1.5 (+165), Mariners +1.5 (-200), and the O/U at 7.5. At BetRivers, it’s Mariners +107, Jays -125 on the ML, Mariners +1.5 (-230), Jays -1.5 (+175) on the spread, and the O/U also at 7.5.
Most popular player markets at DraftKings include Raleigh for 1+ Home Runs, Guerrero Jr. for 1+ Hits, Guerrero Jr. for 2+ Total Bases, Raleigh for 1+ RBIs, and Yesavage for 6+ Strikeouts.