Toronto DH George Springer 'doing all right' after getting struck in the head by a fastball

BALTIMORE (AP) — George Springer twisted his head, absorbed the full impact of a fastball near the ear flap of his helmet, and dropped to the ground in a heap.

As Toronto's designated hitter lay prone at the plate, the raucous crowd of 20,176 at Camden Yards immediately became silent. Quite suddenly, Baltimore's seven-run ninth-inning lead over the Blue Jays on Monday night became of secondary importance to the condition of Springer, who was essentially motionless in the dirt.

After several anxious moments, Springer slowly lifted his head. He mouthed the word “Wow!” before walking to the dugout with aid from a man on each side.

Whew.

“He's doing all right,” manager John Schneider said afterward. “Kind of got him on the shoulder and then the helmet. Thankfully he was able to turn a little bit, too.”

It was as good a result as could be expected after the 96 mph pitch from Kade Stroud struck Springer in the head in the Blue Jays' 11-4 loss. Stroud crouched behind the mound, a worried look on his face as he watched, waiting and desperately hoping for Springer to get up.

“That's the worst part of baseball for any side, when a pitch gets thrown that high,” Schneider said. “You don't think about baseball. You think about the human. It's scary. It happens. It sucks.”

Schneider was among the first to know that Springer was not in a life-threatening situation.

“He was alert the whole time,” Schneider said. “He was kind of talking to me ... which is a good thing. But you hate seeing that happen to anyone at any time.”

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer (4) is helped by trainers after being hit by a pitch by Baltimore Orioles reliever Kade Strowd during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer lies on the ground after being hit by a pitch by Baltimore Orioles reliever Kade Strowd during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka became the first player to defect from LIV Golf, a significant blow to the Saudi-funded league that raises questions whether the PGA Tour will find a way for him to return.

LIV Golf posted an announcement to its website under a statement that Talor Gooch is the new captain of the Smash team that Koepka had led.

Scott O'Neil, the new CEO of LIV, said Koepka and LIV “amicably and mutually agreed” that Koepka will no longer compete after the 2025 season.

“Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home,” O'Neil said. “We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course.”

The PGA Tour policy banning players who have joined the rival league requires them to sit out for one year from their last participation. Koepka began his career on the European tour and would have access to play there.

LIV ended its season on Aug. 24.

The PGA Tour, while not offering any substance, took the rare step of acknowledging the move involving a player no longer a member.

“Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success,” the tour said in a statement. “The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness.”

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

FILE - Brooks Koepka, of the United States, acknowledges the crowd on the 5th green during the first round of the British Open golf championship at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, July 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison, File)