Blue Jays have aggressive home opener lineup

TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays have put out an aggressive but unorthodox lineup for their home opener against the Baltimore Orioles.

Shortstop Bo Bichette, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and left-fielder Anthony Santander will be the first three up in Toronto’s batting order in the matinee.

Andres Gimenez will bat cleanup, an unusual spot for the defensively oriented second baseman.

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The move was partly necessary as outfielder Daulton Varsho was placed on the 10-day injured list hours before the opening pitch.

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Varsho’s move to the IL is retroactive to Monday, as he recovers from right shoulder surgery.

It was part of a flurry of roster moves the Blue Jays made before opening day began around Major League Baseball.

Rookie right-fielder Alan Roden was selected to Toronto’s major league roster and will make his first-ever MLB start, batting ninth.

Right-handed pitcher Jacob Barnes and outfielder Myles Straw were also named to the opening day roster.

Right-handed pitchers Tommy Nance, Zach Pop of Brampton, Ont., and Nick Robertson were all designated for assignment.

Righty Ryan Burr was placed on the 15-day IL, also retroactive to Monday, with right shoulder inflammation.

Erik Swanson, also a right-handed pitcher, was also put on the 15-day IL retroactive to Monday with right median nerve entrapment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2025.