Blue Jays Make Shocking Change To Lineup

Bo Bichette burst onto the scene with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019 batting .311 with a .930 OPS, and he's never looked back. He's batted anywhere from leadoff through 5th during the course of his career. Tonight that all changes for the 24-year-old. 

Bo Bichette is batting 7th tonight for the #BlueJays.

This is the lowest spot he's hit in as a big leaguer.

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 16, 2022

Bichette, who'd been a .300 hitter in his career with an .850 OPS heading into this season, has been dropped to the 7th spot in the order, as reported by Jays beat writer Keegan Matheson, who noted, "it's a big change for Bichette."

"It's a little surprising," continued Matheson, "but if you take the name away, you're looking at a .300 on-base percentage, a .730 OPS, lots of strikeouts involved: that's where this bat goes...that's where those numbers go in a major league lineup."

It's versus left-handers where the problem really comes to light: Bichette is hitting just .197 against southpaws, with just 2 home runs all season.

John Schneider: "I think the best word to describe where we are in the season is 'urgent'"

Everything is still on the table with Yusei Kikuchi, but there's not much time for patience in a race this tight. #BlueJays

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 16, 2022

Manager John Schneider described the Jays' current plight, with 5 losses in their last 6 games, as "urgent." Time to shake things up, and see if they can turn it around.

Photos: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports, John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports