George Springer is back at the top, and John Schneider is leaning on his core bats again against Boston tonight.
That part of the lineup card feels familiar. Springer leads off as the designated hitter, giving the Blue Jays a table-setter without putting more defensive mileage on him.
The next 3 spots tell the bigger story. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits second, Kazuma Okamoto bats third, and Alejandro Kirk cleans up, which is about as direct a message as Schneider can send.
Toronto wants traffic, then damage.
Guerrero moving into the 2-hole matters because it puts one of the club's biggest bats in a spot where he can hit early and often. It also gives the Blue Jays a better chance to get him to the plate in the first inning with momentum already building.
Okamoto in the 3-hole keeps the lineup's power lane intact. When he sits that high in the order, Schneider is making it clear the Blue Jays still want his bat driving the offense instead of just supporting it.
Kirk behind him gives Toronto another steady bat in a run-producing role. That makes the middle 4 look tighter than it has on plenty of nights this season.
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Toronto's lineup leans on balance more than depth
Ernie Clement batting fifth keeps one of the club's most reliable contact hitters in the heart of the order. That is a smart spot for him, especially if the first 4 names get something started.
Jesús Sánchez in right field at sixth gives the lineup another left-handed look. Davis Schneider follows in left, which is another sign the Blue Jays are trying to squeeze offense from players still fighting to lock down bigger roles.
The bottom third rounds out with Myles Straw in center and Andrés Giménez at shortstop. That is not a thump-heavy finish, but it does give Toronto range, speed, and some lineup turnover potential.
The other headline is on the mound. B. Fisher gets the start, which means this lineup may need to do more than just scratch out a few early runs. It may need to carry some real pressure if the game opens up.
That is why the order matters tonight. Springer, Guerrero, Okamoto, and Kirk are not just the top of the card. They are the part of the lineup Toronto most needs to look dangerous against a division rival.
This is not a perfect Blue Jays lineup, but it is a clear one. Schneider is stacking his best run-producing options near the top, trusting Clement to keep innings moving, and hoping the lower half does enough to let the middle of the order decide the game.
Do you like John Schneider putting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the 2-hole tonight?
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