The Toronto Blue Jays will play their Canada Day classic without their leadoff hitter — but with their star first baseman.
George Springer was placed on the paternity list and will not be active for Wednesday's game against the New York Mets, the team announced.
However, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., will return to the lineup after missing Tuesday's game with back tightness, batting second and playing first base.
In a corresponding move for Springer, Jonatan Clase has been recalled from triple-A Buffalo.
Springer, 36, has eight home runs in 63 games in 2026 and is slashing .221/.308/.373 with 56 strikeouts and 28 walks.
Clase, meanwhile, has a .223/.321/.359 slash line in 184 plate appearances for Buffalo, with five home runs and 23 RBI.
Guerrero Jr. is still looking for his first home run at Rogers Centre this season, entering Tuesday's action with four dingers and 34 RBIs to go with a slash line of .268/.347/.348.
The Blue Jays are in action on Canada's birthday with all the action beginning on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT.
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