The Toronto Blue Jays are stepping back onto the diamond this Saturday, marking their first game since the nail-biting Game 7 of the World Series. Sure, it's just Spring Training, but there's something special about shaking off the offseason dust and getting back into the swing of things.
A standout moment for the Blue Jays is the nod to Ernie Clement, who will be batting leadoff in their debut lineup of the season. It's a well-deserved recognition for Clement, who dazzled during the playoffs, setting a new MLB record for the most hits in a single postseason. Not too shabby, right?
Here's how the lineup shakes out:
- Ernie Clement - 2B
- Andres Gimenez - SS
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - 1B
- Alejandro Kirk - C
- Addison Barger - RF
- Kazuma Okamoto - 3B
- Daulton Varsho - DH
- Davis Schneider - LF
- Nathan Lukes - CF
Now, don't worry, George Springer fans. He's just taking it easy at the start of spring, and he'll be back as the regular leadoff hitter soon enough.
Clement's Spring Training stint is a bit of a farewell tour before he heads off to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. There, he'll likely take on a versatile role off the bench. But for now, he's a key piece in Toronto's puzzle, leading them into a new season with hopes of another World Series run.