Designated hitter George Springer returns to the starting lineup in the one-hole as the Blue Jays take on the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 6:40 p.m. ET / 3:40 p.m. PT).
However, the Blue Jays will be without another big bat — at least to start — as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was not included in the first nine.
It’s just a planned day off for Guerrero Jr., manager John Schneider told reporters pre-game.
Elsewhere, Brandon Valenzuela will make a second straight start behind the dish in place of Tyler Heineman, who was removed from Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Twins due to a manager’s decision.
Springer exited Saturday’s game against the Twins after being hit by a pitch on the same foot on which he previously fractured his big toe.
Post-game imaging revealed no further damage. Springer had a planned day off Sunday and did not play Monday, though he appeared in the on-deck circle in the ninth inning before being pulled back following a double play.
Springer has appeared in just 18 games this season, batting .212 with two homers and seven RBIs.
Guerrero Jr. has played in all 35 games, carrying a .331/.416/.431 slash line with two homers and 16 RBIs. He is just 3-for-17 over his past four games and has not hit a long ball since April 20.
The Blue Jays, who dropped the series opener against the Rays 5-1 on Monday, will send ace Kevin Gausman to the hill against Tampa Bay righty Drew Rasmussen.
