Game 4 Preview: Blue Jays vs. Royals, José Berríos 2023 debut, starting lineups, more

After beginning the season against the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the best teams the National League has to offer, the Toronto Blue Jays will now move on to an "easier" opponent, the Kansas City Royals.

The three-game series in St. Louis did not go the way anybody wanted it to. Opening Day went okay, mainly because it resulted in a Blue Jays win, but the pitching was sloppy, Bo Bichette's defense continued to disappoint and the Jays were just barely able to squeak by. The following two games resulted in a loss, as the Blue Jays were outscored 13-5.

In Monday's matchup, José Berríos will make his 2023 regular season debut. The 28-year-old has massive expectations on his shoulders from both the fans and himself. He is coming off of a poor season last year in which his ERA reached all the way up to 5.23 with a 74 ERA+. He knows that he needs to be better, and after a rough Spring Training (and WBC) showing, he'll need a solid debut to show that his adjustments are legit.

Taking the mound for the Royals will be 26-year-old Brady Singer. The righty has shown consistent promise for the Royals over the past three years (combined 4.01 ERA and 109 ERA+ in 66 outings) and is also entering 2023 with some sky-high expectations.

Toronto Blue Jays starting lineup against the Royals:

1. RF George Springer

2. SS Bo Bichette

3. DH Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

4. LF Daulton Varsho

5. C Alejandro Kirk

6. 1B Brandon Belt

7. 3B Matt Chapman

8. 2B Cavan Biggio

9. CF Kevin Kiermaier

Lineup changes from previous game: Belt, Biggio, Kiermaier in. Merrifield, Jansen, Espinal out. Varsho shifts to left field, Vladdy moves to DH and Kirk is behind the plate after being the DH in the final game against the Cardinals.

Kansas City Royals starting lineup for first game against the Blue Jays:

1. C MJ Melendez

2. 1B Vinnie Pasquantino

3. DH Bobby Witt Jr.

4. 2B Michael Massey

5. CF Kyle Isbel

6. 3B Hunter Dozier

7. LF Jackie Bradley Jr.

8. SS Nicky Lopez

9. RF Nate Eaton