Toronto Blue Jays reliever Trevor Richards will get the start for Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins.
Alek Manoah was originally scheduled to start but was optioned to the Florida Complex League Tuesday after he posted a 6.36 ERA in 13 starts after finishing third in Cy Young voting a year ago.
Bowden Francis is also expected to make his season debut after being recalled to replace Manoah. The Blue Jays acquired Francis along with Richards in 2021 from the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 27-year-old reliever has a 3.45 ERA, 23 strikeouts and four walks in four starts with the Buffalo Bisons this season.
Kevin Kiermaier remains out of the lineup after suffering a wrist injury after being hit by a pitch against the Houston Astros on Thursday. The Blue Jays have also swapped Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to fourth in the batting lineup with Brandon Belt getting hitting third.
