There is intrigue at both the top and bottom of the Toronto Blue Jays' batting order.
Lead-off man George Springer and catcher Tyler Heineman are both absent from the starting lineup for the Jays' series opener on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 6:40 p.m. ET / 3:40 p.m. PT).
Springer exited Saturday's game against the Minnesota 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 but is now set to miss a second straight game in wake of the injury. He has not been placed on the injured list.
Manager John Schneider told reporters that Springer will be available off the bench and could be in the starting lineup on Tuesday.
Heineman, meanwhile, was removed from Sunday's game against the Twins due to a manager's decision.
Schneider did not offer further detail on the move. Heineman, however, said he supported it.
"I stick by it. One of the best managers in the game, the best manager I played for. He has a reason for everything he does. And I fully support him," Heineman said.
Left fielder Yohendrick Piñango will assume Springer's place atop the lineup for the second straight game as the Blue Jays face Rays right-hander Nick Martinez. Piñango, a 23-year-old rookie, is batting .462 with three RBIs in six games.
Brandon Valenzuela, who replaced Heineman on Sunday, will start at catcher and bat ninth.
Toronto will send left-hander Eric Lauer to the mound at Tropicana Field.
