Back in Toronto's lineup, Springer walks in 2-run second for Blue Jays against Mariners

TORONTO (AP) — Toronto's George Springer was back in the lineup two days after being hit on a knee by a fastball, fouling out on a nine-pitch at bat in the first inning and walking in a two-run second of AL Championship Series Game 6 against Seattle on Sunday night.

Toronto was attempting to rebound from a 3-2 deficit in the best-of-seven matchup.

Springer was hit on the right kneecap by a 95.6 mph pitch from Bryan Woo in the seventh inning of Toronto’s 6-2 loss on Friday in Game 5.

X-ray and a CT scan did not reveal a fracture. Manager John Schneider said Springer was able to test his knee by running at a workout on Saturday.

“I talked to him last night, texted him this morning and he was like ‘Stop asking, I’m good,’” Schneider said of his exchange with Springer.

The 36-year-old Springer, a four-time All-Star and the 2017 World Series MVP with Houston, came into Sunday's game hitting .256 with three home runs and five doubles this postseason. His 22 career playoff homers are tied with Bernie Williams for fourth.

Springer’s 42 extra base hits in 76 postseason games are fifth most, 15 behind Derek Jeter's record. Springer had at least one extra base hit in six consecutive postseason games, one shy of Devon White’s 1993 Blue Jays record.

Springer entered 14 for 49 in 11 regular season and postseason games against the Mariners this season, with six doubles, three homers and eight RBIs.

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Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer breaks his bat on pop flyout to foul territory during the first inning of Game 6 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer breaks his bat on pop flyout to foul territory during the first inning of Game 6 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Toronto Blue Jays George Springer is helped by manager John Schneider, left, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, after being hit by a pitch during the seventh inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer falls after being hit by a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer falls after being hit by a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer falls after being hit by a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Teammates and staff help Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (4) off the field after he took a pitch to the knee from Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo (22) during seventh inning MLB Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series action in Seattle, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Raphinha scored two late goals to give Barcelona 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday and increase it lead in the Spanish league.

The Brazil forward broke the deadlock with a shot from the top of the area in the 70th minute at Camp Nou. He then put the result beyond doubt by scoring from close range with six minutes remaining.

The win left the defending champions seven points clear of Real Madrid before its game at Alaves on Sunday. That is likely a must-win game for Madrid coach Xabi Alonso after the powerhouse has won just two of its last eight games across all competitions.

Raphinha was key to Barcelona winning La Liga and Copa del Rey last season, when Hansi Flick’s side also reached the Champions League semifinals.

Barcelona struggled to replaced his speed and incisiveness when Raphinha was sidelined with a leg injury for six weeks earlier this campaign. But he has returned as strong as ever. He also assisted in a 3-1 victory over Alaves in late November and scored in a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid earlier this month.

Antoine Griezmann scored the winner after coming off the bench to help fourth-placed Atletico beat Valencia 2-1 and not fall further off the lead.

Griezmann replaced Julián Álvarez with half an hour to go with Atletico leading after Koke Resurrección scored from a rebound in the 17th.

Lucas Beltrán pulled the visitors level in the 63rd with a shot from outside the area as the Argentine striker skirted past a defender and lashed a long strike just inside the post.

Griezmann restored the lead in the 74th at the Metropolitano Stadium when he used an exquisite control, hooking down a long ball with the tip of his boot, before he fired in the winner.

The 34-year-old Griezmann has taken a more limited role with Atletico this season, but he is still proving to be decisive. The former France star scored two goals as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Levante last month and also netted after coming on in the second half against Sevilla and Real Madrid.

His winner against Valencia increased his record haul for Atletico to 204 career goals.

Atletico was nine points behind Barcelona.

The loss for Valencia will increase the pressure on coach Carlos Corberán with the team in 17th place just on the edge of the relegation zone.

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

Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates after scoring during a La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Osasuna in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Froem the left, Barcelona's Ferran Torres,Raphinha and Marcus Rashford hug after a goal during a La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Osasuna in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates after scoring during a La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Osasuna in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates after scoring during a La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Osasuna in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Raphinha and Lamine Yamal celebrate after a goal during a La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Osasuna in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. AP Photo/Joan Monfort)