The Toronto Blue Jays fell 3-1 to the New York Yankees in their series opener Friday night.
Now, as the Blue Jays welcome Vladimir Guerrero Jr. back into the lineup after he spent time on the seven-day concussion IL, manager John Schneider made some notable changes ahead of Saturday’s game. The matchup will feature Toronto ace Dylan Cease against Yankees left-hander Ryan Weathers.
Blue Jays Announce George Springer Decision
Toronto held veteran slugger George Springer out of the starting lineup for the series opener as he continues to deal with shoulder soreness.
However, Springer made one pinch-hit appearance Friday and will return to the starting lineup Saturday. He’ll bat cleanup behind Guerrero Jr., who returns to the No. 2 spot and will start at first base. Catcher Alejandro Kirk will bat third.
Via Underdog MLB: “Blue Jays 8/22 B. Bateman RF V. Guerrero Jr. 1B A. Kirk C G. Springer DH K. Okamoto 3B E. Clement SS D. Cameron LF C. McAdoo 2B M. Straw CF D. Cease SP.”
Blue Jays 8/22
B. Bateman RF
V. Guerrero Jr. 1B
A. Kirk C
G. Springer DH
K. Okamoto 3B
E. Clement SS
D. Cameron LF
C. McAdoo 2B
M. Straw CFD. Cease SP
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 22, 2026
Springer’s 2026 Season
Currently in his 13th MLB season and sixth year with the Blue Jays, Springer’s numbers have dipped a bit this season.
He enters Saturday batting .235 across 98 games and 362 at-bats, with 45 runs, 85 hits, 12 home runs, and 40 RBIs. He’s also slugging .387 with a .701 OPS.
Blue Jays Right Now
Toronto has been underwhelming this year after reaching the World Series less than a year ago.
The Blue Jays sit at 63-67 overall but remain firmly in the American League Wild Card race. They’re just 1.5 games out of a playoff spot, with seven teams within three games of one another and only one playoff spot available.
Toronto Blue Jays Announce George Springer Decision During Yankees Series