Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer is out of the lineup for the first time this season Friday because he is under the weather, according to manager John Schneider.
Springer will be replaced atop the Toronto lineup by Bo Bichette and in right field by Cavan Biggio.
The 34-year-old outfielder is slashing .219/.337/.329 this season with two home runs, four RBI and three stolen bases. He has started all but two games in right field for the Blue Jays, serving as the designated hitter in the other two outings.
Biggio has served those extra 18 innings in right. He’s slashing .292/.370/.417 to open 2024 with one home run and five RBI in 16 games.
Bichette has hit leadoff 71 times for the Blue Jays, hitting .305 with 15 homers in those games.
With Bichette moving up from his usual third spot in the batting order, Justin Turner slides into the three hole, and Davis Schneider will hit clean-up.
Toronto is sending Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez to the mound for his second career start as it opens a series in San Diego against the Padres.
Rodriguez will duel Padres knuckleballer Matt Waldron.
You can catch all the action on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, starting and 9:30 p.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. PT.
