Blue Jays: Looking back at the last 10 Opening Day starters and lineups

Present Day Toronto Blue Jays with no Encarnacion or Bautista

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Blue Jays 2017 Opening Day Lineup:

• C – Russell Martin
• 1B – Steve Pearce
• 2B – Devon Travis
• 3B – Josh Donaldson
• SS – Troy Tulowitzki
• LF – Ezequiel Carrera
• CF – Kevin Pillar
• RF – Jose Bautista
• DH – Kendrys Morales

After two dominant post-seasons, Marco Estrada earned his first ever Opening Day assignment. It was a bit of a coin flip between him and 2016, 20 game winner, J.A. Happ for this assignment, but they ended up going with Estrada. Estrada threw 6.0 innings allowing two earned runs while Kevin Gausman threw 5.1 innings allowing two earned runs as well.

2017 was the first season without franchise icon Edwin Encarnacion. It was also a season filled with unfulfilled expectations, a slew of injuries and blisters, and all around disappointment. Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, they missed the post-season for the first time since 2014, but the small light at the end of the tunnel was how bad the rest of the American League was. The poor AL with some 2018 bounce-backs, and the Blue Jays could contend for a playoff spot. Let’s wrap up by looking at the projected Opening Day lineup.

• 2018 – J.A. Happ vs. New York Yankees

Blue Jays Projected Opening Day Lineup:

• C – Russell Martin
• 1B – Justin Smoak
• 2B – Devon Travis
• 3B – Josh Donaldson
• SS – Aledmys Diaz
• LF – Curtis Granderson
• CF – Kevin Pillar
• RF – Randal Grichuk
• DH – Kendrys Morales

For the first time since 2013 the Toronto Blue Jays will open their season at home. It’s also the first time there will be no Jose Bautista in the Opening Day Lineup since 2009, which will be extremely weird. The 2018 Toronto Blue Jays have potential to bounce back nicely this season. If they’re healthy and Opening Day starter J.A. Happ can open the season strong, the Blue Jays can re-inspire that playoff excitement in 2018.

Next: Bright future makes veterans wanna stick around