In their most recent series, the Toronto Blue Jays picked up a series win against the Houston Astros.
Due to a rainout earlier in the season, the Blue Jays will not have Thursday off, but instead face the Chicago Cubs in a make-up game, which will take place at Wrigley Field.
Before the Cubs game, the Blue Jays revealed their lineup. Dylan Cease is getting the start for the Jays, and the lineup features a notable Brandon Valenzuela decision.
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Brandon Valenzuela Riding Pine on Thursday
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – JULY 17: Brandon Valenzuela #59 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a solo home run in the sixth inning of their MLB game against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre on July 17, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Alejandro Kirk will form a battery with Dylan Cease on Thursday, as Brandon Valenzuela is out of the lineup. Valenzuela has seen his playing time decrease since Kirk returned from injury.
Notably, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is out of the lineup again, which is concerning for the Jays, as an IL decision may be looming.
Here is the full Blue Jays batting order for 8/6:
Blue Jays: “8/6 M. Straw CF K. Okamoto 1B A. Kirk C G. Springer DH N. Lukes RF E. Clement 3B L. Urías 2B D. Schneider LF A. Giménez SS D. Cease SP”
M. Straw CF K. Okamoto 1B A. Kirk C G. Springer DH N. Lukes RF E. Clement 3B L. Urías 2B D. Schneider LF A. Giménez SS
D. Cease SP
It’s a rare leadoff start for Myles Straw, and Kirk will bat third. George Springer is in his usual cleanup duties, and the lineup rounds out with David Schneider and Andres Gimenez.
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Looking at Brandon Valenzuela’s Season
All things considered, it’s been a solid start to Brandon Valenzuela’s MLB career. He was promoted earlier in the season when Alejandro Kirk had to miss some time, and Valenzuela did the most with his opportunity.
Over his first 187 MLB ABs, he’s batting .235 with eight home runs, 21 RBI, 21 RS, and an OPS+ of 93.
As for the Blue Jays, they need to get on a little winning streak if they want to keep their MLB playoff aspirations alive. There are several teams that Toronto must leapfrog in the standings if they want to earn an AL Wild Card bid.
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Toronto Blue Jays Announce Brandon Valenzuela Decision Before Cubs Game