GDB -23.0: Toronto Blue Jays open final week of Spring Training against Orioles

It’s the final countdown *cue guitar solo*.

The stretch run of Spring Training is here, as the Blue Jays enter their final week of Grapefruit League play. This afternoon’s game against the Baltimore Orioles features some strong lineups, and kicks off what should be a fun final seven games.

Toronto will face some other good teams in this stretch, getting to see the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies once more, while also getting two games against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and one each against the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers (split-squad game) and Orioles once again (split-squad game).

Today, however, will see the Hound on the Mound as Chris Bassitt’s strong spring continues. Across 14 and two-third innings, he’s posted a 3.07 ERA striking out 14 batters. The Blue Jays lineup is starting to take shape, and today’s grouping could be one we see early on in the season.

The top of the order is as expected: George Springer, Vladimir Guererro Jr., Bo Bichette, Justin Turner, Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk in the first six spots, followed by Kevin Kiermaier, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Cavan Biggio. What’s notable is IKF will play second base, while Biggio gets the start at third. Let’s see what they can put together.

First pitch: 1:07 p.m. EST. TV: Sportsnet. Radio: MLB.com.

Starting pitchers:

TORONTO — RHP Chris Bassitt

ORIOLES – LHP Cole Irvin

Lineups:

TORONTO:

1. G Springer (R) RF
2. V Guerrero Jr. (R) DH
3. B Bichette (R) SS
4. J Turner (R) 1B
5. D Varsho (L) LF
6. A Kirk (R) C
7. K Kiermaier (L) CF
8. I Kiner-Falefa (R) 2B
9. C Biggio (L) 3B

 ORIOLES:

1. J Holliday (L) 2B
2. A Rutschman (S) C
3. J Westburg (R) SS
4. C Cowser (L) CF
5. T Nevin (R) 1B
6. K Stowers (L) LF
7. C Mayo (R) 3B
8. H Kjerstad (L) RF
9. C Norby (R) DH