Blue Jays Lineup Takes Shape, Gausman Sharp in Final Spring Test

BRADENTON, Fla. – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Is day-to-day with hamstring inflammation, the Toronto Blue Jays announced Saturday, after the star first baseman felt discomfort during the team’s 8-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in Grapefruit League play.

The injury occurred during Saturday’s game against the Pirates, though details of the specific play were not immediately released. Manager John Schneider addressed the situation following the game, stating Guerrero Jr.’s status would be evaluated on a daily basis. The timing of the injury comes less than a week before the start of the regular season.

Despite Guerrero Jr.’s early exit, the Blue Jays used a lineup on Saturday that Schneider indicated offered a glimpse into his thinking for the regular season. George Springer batted leadoff, with Guerrero Jr. Slotted into the three-hole, a position he reportedly prefers. Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger followed, with Alejandro Kirk, Daulton Varsho, Kazuma Okamoto, Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez rounding out the batting order.

“It’s a pretty decent idea of how I’m thinking about it, how we’re thinking about it,” Schneider said before the game. “Happens to be a really good starter for them in Paul [Skenes], and how we can best combat that. We’re not looking at results, but at how the lineup flows. And how we start may not be how we finish.”

The Blue Jays managed only one hit against Pirates starter Paul Skenes, who struck out five over four scoreless innings. Guerrero Jr. Narrowly missed a three-run home run in the third inning, fouling a pitch off at 108.3 mph before striking out on the next pitch.

“Absolutely,” said Clement, who went 0-for-3 in his second game back from the World Baseball Classic. “Those are the guys we’re going to be facing during the season, so as good as the competition can be, that’s welcomed.”

Schneider emphasized the Blue Jays’ offensive approach will likely be fluid throughout the season, noting the team used 146 different batting orders last year. He also highlighted a shift towards utilizing platoon advantages and matching batter and pitcher profiles, a strategy the team began to emphasize more last year.

“Going back a couple years, we learned that, for the most part, it’s pretty advantageous to get the handedness advantage and then, within that, last year we dove into more swing/pitch specifics and how we can combat whatever is on the mound,” Schneider said.

The Blue Jays are also navigating final roster decisions, releasing minor-league signee Connor Seabold and optioning Lazaro Estrada to triple-A Buffalo. The competition for the final bullpen spot remains open, with Chase Lee and Adam Macko as optionable candidates. Yariel Rodriguez, a non-roster invitee, is also in contention, offering multi-inning durability. Rule 5 draft picks Spencer Miles and Angel Bastardo are also vying for a spot, with Miles requiring the team to retain his rights by keeping him on the active roster all season.

On the pitching side, Kevin Gausman reported to spring training in good condition after finishing last season at a lower weight. He capped off his spring with five-plus innings against the Pirates, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks, while reaching 97.2 mph with his fastball. “I feel good,” Gausman said. “To be honest, I thought I’d feel a lot worse than I do, so it’s always nice when you surprise yourself when you’re 35.”