The Toronto Blue Jays have made some changes to their batting order ahead of Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers.
Left-fielder Whit Merrifield will hit second in the game, between George Springer and Bo Bichette. Centerfielder Daulton Varsho, who had been hitting higher in the lineup, will hit eighth on Friday.
Merrifield has been among the Blue Jays’ best hitters recently. In the last 13 games Merrifield has 16 hits, including four doubles, and has a .906 OPS. Varsho, who has 11 home runs this season, has struggled to get on base recently and has just seven hits in his last six games.
In addition to the lineup changes, the Blue Jays recalled prospect Spencer Horwitz for the first time from triple-A Buffalo. The left-handed first baseman will provide manager John Schneider more options as the Jays look to spark their offence.
The Blue Jays open a weekend series against the Rangers with Kevin Gausman on the hill Friday. You can watch the game live on Sportsnet and SN NOW at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.