Toronto Blue Jays vs Minnesota Twins: Starting Lineup - Opening Game Preview

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer is back in the lineup and will hit leadoff today against the Minnesota Twins.

Springer has missed the last 15 games after suffering a broken toe back on April 11.

Blue Jays veteran Kevin Gausman will toe the rubber versus Twins right-hander Bailey Ober.

First Pitch is at 7:40 PM ET on SN1, Twins TV, and on Sportsnet 590 The Fan radio.

In his last outing Gausman (2-1) picked up the win, allowing two runs on six hits over 6.2 innings in a 5-3 victory over the Guardians. He struck out three without walking a batter.

The veteran righty tossed 63 of 91 pitches for strikes enroute to his fourth quality start of the season in six trips to the mound.

Gausman's three Ks were a season low, however, and after racking up a stunning 21:0 K:BB through his first two starts, he's managed just a 17:7 K:BB in 23 frames over his last four.

He's been effective either way and will take a 2.57 ERA and 0.94 WHIP into his outing tonight's contest

Minnesota will counter with Bailey Ober. In his last outing Ober (2-1) took the loss against the Rays, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts over six innings.

Ober allowed a two-run homer in the fourth inning, but the Twins were unable to muster any offense before he departed at 83 pitches.

The 30-year-old generated just three whiffs but limited the Rays to three hard-hit balls and has now completed six or more innings in three straight outings, including back-to-back quality starts.

He'll carry a 3.94 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 27:11 K:BB across 32 innings into tonight's matchup against the Blue Jays.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads the AL with a .358 batting average and tied for hits with 39. He has seven doubles, two home runs, 15 walks and 15 RBIs.

Ernie Clement has been on a heater too going 13 for 42 with a home run and four RBIs over the last 10 games.

Last 10 games: Blue Jays: 7-3, .259 batting average, 3.44 ERA, outscored opponents by 14 runs

Twins: 2-8, .239 batting average, 5.02 ERA, outscored by 16 runs

Blue Jays: Jose Berrios: 15-Day IL (elbow), Addison Barger: 10-Day IL (ankle), Max Scherzer: 15-Day IL (forearm), Nathan Lukes: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Yimi Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cody Ponce: 60-Day IL (knee), Anthony Santander: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alejandro Kirk: 10-Day IL (hand), Shane Bieber: 60-Day IL (elbow), Lazaro Estrada: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Bowden Francis: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Twins: Garrett Acton: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Cody Laweryson: 15-Day IL (forearm), Travis Adams: 15-Day IL (tricep), David Festa: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Mick Abel: 15-Day IL (elbow), Pablo Lopez: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays place right-handed pitcher on full-season injured list