Toronto Blue Jays right fielder George Springer will not be the team’s leadoff hitter in a game he starts for the first time since July 23, 2021.
Whit Merrifield will handle the duties in the top spot, sliding Springer down to fifth in the batting order against the Los Angeles Angels and newly acquired started Lucas Giolito.
Since the All-Star break, Springer is hitting just .170 with two extra-base hits. On the season, the four-time All-Star is hitting .257/.326/.397 with 13 home runs.
Merrifield hit leadoff for the first time this season on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and turned in a 1-for-5 performance with a double.
Springer is second in MLB history with 56 career leadoff home runs.
The Angels enter the weekend series just three games back of Toronto for the third wild card spot.
Kevin Gausman has the ball for the Blue Jays with first pitch at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Sportsnet 590 The FAN.
