George Springer will make his first start for the Toronto Blue Jays in Grapefruit League action Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, manager Charlie Montoyo announced.
Montoyo said that Springer will hit lead-off but serve as the designated hitter in the game. If everything goes well, Montoyo said, Springer could transition to the outfield for his second game.
Springer signed a six-year, $150 million contract with the Blue Jays in the off-season, the largest free-agent contract in franchise history. The 31-year-old hit .265/.359/.540 with 14 home runs last season with the Houston Astros.
The Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates played to a 2-2 tie in six-and-a-half innings on Monday.
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