For the second game of the series, Toronto will deploy a noticeably different lineup, highlighted by the addition of rookie infielder Kazuma Okamoto at a new spot in the order.
Okamoto is slotted into the fifth spot in the batting order, moving up from the sixth spot in the prior game against the Yankees. With this shift, Ernie Clement will slide into the sixth spot after batting fifth in Friday’s matchup. The two players are effectively swapping positions in Toronto’s lineup for Saturday’s game.
Blue Jays’ Saturday lineup (as currently projected):
– Brett Bateman — RF
– Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — 1B
– Alejandro Kirk — C
– George Springer — DH
– Kazuma Okamoto — 3B
– Ernie Clement — SS
– Daz Cameron — LF
– Charles McAdoo — 2B
– Myles Straw — CF
Okamoto has been on a hot streak, extending his hitting streak to seven games with a 1-for-4 performance against the Yankees in the most recent meeting. He will be looking to push that streak to eight games with another strong showing at the plate for Toronto.
Throughout this season, Okamoto has demonstrated the ability to impact the lineup as a rookie. In 125 games, he has recorded 26 home runs, 74 RBIs, and a .230 batting average, underscoring his potential to influence Toronto’s offense as they continue their series with New York.
