ST. PETERSBURG -- The Blue Jays welcomed George Springer back to the top of their lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. But the order is without its biggest bat
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not in the starting lineup for the first time this season. Manager John Schneider said it’s just a day off for the face of the franchise, who had started each of Toronto’s first 35 games in the No. 3 hole. That lineup spot will be occupied by third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, while Lenyn Sosa will man first base with Vladdy on the bench.
“He'll be available if needed,” Schneider said. “But want to try to stay away from him. Hard to not put him in the lineup and probably even harder to not use him if we need him. But everyone needs a day here and there.”
Guerrero is tied for seventh in the Majors among qualified hitters in batting average (.331) and seventh in on-base percentage (.416). The team is still waiting for him to go on a power surge, however. Vlad has just two homers through 130 at-bats, and his .431 slugging percentage is 62 points below his career average.
Springer returns to the leadoff spot after he was hit by a pitch on his previously fractured left big toe during Saturday’s game against the Twins. The good news was that Springer didn’t suffer a new injury as X-rays came back negative.
Springer was in the on-deck circle in the ninth inning Monday with one on and no outs in a 5-1 game. But after Andrés Giménez grounded into a double play, he was pulled back. The veteran designated hitter is slashing an underwhelming .212/.307/.364 through 18 games this season, although he does bring a 17-game on-base streak into Tuesday’s game.
His presence is a welcome sight for a Toronto offense that ranks 25th in runs scored (144). And with Addison Barger expected to be activated from the injured list no later than Friday, the Blue Jays’ offense is starting to near full strength after a sluggish start to the year.