Barger to hit in cleanup spot as Blue Jays take on A’s in season opener

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger (right) and teammate Nathan Lukes keep an eye on the action during batting practice at spring training in Dunedin, Fla. on Feb. 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Blue Jays manager John Schneider slotted right-fielder Addison Barger into the cleanup spot for Toronto’s regular-season opener against the Athletics on Friday night at Rogers Centre.

Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, who signed with the team in the off-season, batted seventh on a day the Blue Jays celebrated their American League title and the start of their 50th anniversary season.

Barger broke out last year with 21 homers and had 74 RBIs over 135 games. 

“I like the threat that he can hit the ball out of the ballpark,” Schneider said in his pre-game availability. “I like that fact that he can work an at-bat and get on base for guys behind him.”

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Designated hitter George Springer was in his usual leadoff spot ahead of left-fielder Nathan Lukes, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Barger.

The lineup was rounded out by catcher Alejandro Kirk, centre-fielder Daulton Varsho, Okamoto, second baseman Ernie Clement and shortstop Andres Gimenez. 

Toronto right-hander Kevin Gausman was tabbed to start against Luis Severino.

It was the first Blue Jays game since a Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Nov. 1. The 11-inning defeat capped a memorable playoff run that included series victories over the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners. 

Bo Bichette batted in the cleanup spot for the deciding game of the Fall Classic. The homegrown shortstop became a free agent in the off-season and signed with the New York Mets. 

Schneider said it felt “a little weird” to not pencil Bichette’s name into the lineup on Friday. The skipper also managed him at the minor-league level back in their days with the high-A Dunedin Blue Jays.

“I think that for all the lineups I’ve written since 2017 with him, he’s kind of just right there,” Schneider said. 

It was the third time the Blue Jays have faced the Athletics on Opening Day. Toronto beat Oakland 13-1 in the 1995 opener and topped the Athletics 9-6 a year later.

After the three-game set this weekend, the Blue Jays will welcome the Colorado Rockies for three games before heading to the road for a three-game series in Chicago. 

Toronto’s next homestand will begin April 6 with a three-game interleague series against the Dodgers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press