The Toronto Blue Jays had some good and bad news in their starting lineup on Friday.
Shortstop Bo Bichette will return to the starting lineup, batting third as the Blue Jays open a weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels.
However, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not part of the opening nine. The slugger fouled a ball off his foot in the series finale against the New York Yankees on Thursday and was tended to by a trainer and manager John Schneider, but remained in the game.
Schneider said that Guerrero Jr.'s foot was still sore, so the team decided to sit him, but could use him in a game if he is needed.
Bichette, meanwhile, returns after starting four straight games on the bench in wake of knee discomfort suffered ahead of Monday's series opener against the Yankees. He stepped on a ball during warm-ups, causing the pain.
Bichette has enjoyed a solid bounce-back year for the Blue Jays, batting .272 with a .738 OPS, 11 home runs and 49 RBIs.
Guerrero Jr. is carrying a .274 batting average with 12 homers and 44 RBIs.
Also Friday, the Blue Jays called up right-hander Lazaro Estrada, optioned lefty reliever Justin Bruihl to triple-A and moved outfielder Anthony Santander to the 60-day injured list.
The Blue Jays (49-38) will go for a sixth straight win against the Angels (43-43) as they look to stay on top in the American League East.
