The Toronto Blue Jays are starting a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, with Game 1 taking place on Friday night. The team has announced a few decisions regarding Brandon Valenzuela and Alejandro Kirk before the big game.
Game 1 will feature the return of Jameson Taillon, who goes head-to-head against Daniel Lynch. The September 4th, 2026, game begins at 6:10 PM Mountain Time, 8:10 PM Eastern Time.
Toronto Blue Jays News: Brandon Valenzuela Out, Alejandro Kirk In
Before the first game of the series started, the Blue Jays announced their lineup for tonight’s game.
Underdog MLB revealed the batting order:
“Blue Jays 9/4: B. Bateman CF G. Springer DH V. Guerrero Jr. 1B A. Kirk C K. Okamoto 3B C. McAdoo 2B E. Clement SS N. Lukes RF M. Straw LF J. Taillon SP,” the social media account published on September 4, 2026.
B. Bateman CF G. Springer DH V. Guerrero Jr. 1B A. Kirk C K. Okamoto 3B C. McAdoo 2B E. Clement SS N. Lukes RF M. Straw LF
J. Taillon SP
As you can see from their post, the Blue Jays took Valenzuela out of the lineup and replaced him with Kirk.
Valenzuela is a 25-year-old catcher, while Kirk is his 27-year-old counterpart.
Reaction to Toronto Blue Jays Lineup
Considering that this song and dance has been happening all year, the change isn’t surprising.
There have been some intriguing reactions to the Blue Jays lineup for tonight.
“Honestly putting Ernie over Gimenez against lefties doesn’t make sense anymore. U get Platinum defense and pretty much the same bat against lefties with Gime,” wrote one user on X.
One humorous response came from one user.
“You guys aren’t making the playoffs without me,” an X account named ‘Jeff Hoffman’ wrote.
One user named Kayla wrote, “same relentless energy from the last series needs to carry straight over into tonight’s opener. watching vladdy play at that level is mandatory viewing, need him to keep this exact stretch going. bateman back at the top setting the table and dictating the pace, love to see it.”
At this point in the season, it seems like most people don’t react to Valenzuela and Kirk playing musical chairs with the catcher position.
Toronto Blue Jays Announce Big Brandon Valenzuela Decision Before Royals Series