Blue Jays lineup features Martin 8th, Colabello over Smoak

The Blue Jays first lineup of the season gives fans their first look at an offence that ran away with the Major League lead in runs scored last season

When Russell Martin is your number right hitter, life is good.

The Toronto Blue Jays opening day lineup showcases not just the wealth of offensive talent the organization boasts, but the depth. In one of the few remaining question marks, Chris Colabello will receive the start over Justin Smoak at first base.

1.  CF Kevin Pillar
2.  3B Josh Donaldson
3.  RF Jose Bautista
4.  DH Edwin Encarnacion
5.  SS Troy Tulowitzki
6.  1B Chris Colabello
7.  LF Michael Saunders
8.  C Russell Martin
9.  2B Ryan Goins

The bench will consist of Smoak, catcher Josh Thole, infielder Darwin Barney and outfielder Ezequiel Carrera. Despite Smoak’s career 6-for-19 line against Chris Archer with one home run, Colabello picks up 2016 where he left off last season: as the starter.

In the case of Martin, seeing him anywhere from six to eight would be sensible in this lineup but his current slotting gives Toronto a very high-level on-base tool for that point in their lineup.

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Martin’s .329 OBP last season was well below his mammoth .402 total the year before in Pittsburgh, so a return to near his career average (.352) would allow the Blue Jays to flood the bases from all corners of the lineup, potentially turning it over with runners in scoring position at a high rate. This also won’t hurt Ryan Goins, who could see some more men on base if this strategy holds up.

Toronto’s bullpen remains at eight with the recent addition of Franklin Morales and optioning of Ryan Tepera. Marcus Stroman will get the start this afternoon and is expected to be followed in the series by R.A. Dickey, Aaron Sanchez, and J.A. Happ.