Turner debuts for the Blue Jays in spring training, and Bichette plays in the opener
With the start of spring training, Toronto Blue Jays baseball is back. The debuts of Justin Turner and Isiah Kiner-Falefa against the Philadelphia Phillies will give Blue Jays fans a first look at some new newcomers to the lineup.
Kiner-Falefa will bat sixth and begin at third base, while Turner will bat third as the designated hitter. Santiago Espinal will lead the way and start at second base, but Bo Bichette will get the start at shortstop and bat second.
At 1:00 p.m. ET on Sportsnet, Toronto kicks off their 32-game Grapefruit League season against the Phillies in Dunedin.
Ricky Tiedemann, a top prospect, was scheduled to start against the visiting Phillies, but he felt tightness in his left hamstring. Righty Chad Dallas, who split last season’s action between double-A New Hampshire and single-A Vancouver, will take his place as manager John Schneider opted to scratch him as a precaution.