The Toronto Blue Jays are switching up their lineup for Game 2 versus the Philadelphia Phillies. These changes involve a few players, including Brett Bateman.
The Blue Jays are looking to put together another win streak today. They will need all the wins they can get if they want to catch the Tampa Bay Rays by passing the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, or Baltimore Orioles in the AL East Standings.
Toronto Blue Jays Announce Brett Bateman Change
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 7: Kazuma Okamoto #7 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks to the dugout after striking out in the ninth inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Blue Jays won 5-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
One of the biggest changes announced prior to Game 2 involves the young Bateman.
For the first game of this series on August 7th, Bateman was batting ninth. Considering that it was his first MLB game, that is not a surprising decision.
However, he’s getting a big boost for Game 2.
According to the Blue Jays lineup announcement, Bateman will be batting second. This puts him behind Nathan Lukes (batting leadoff) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr (who is batting third).
Guerrero coming back for Game 2 is another major change, along with giving Kazuma Okamoto a night off.
Brett Bateman’s First Game With the Toronto Blue Jays
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 7: Brett Bateman #21 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates his first Major League base hit in the third inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Blue Jays won 5-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
Bateman’s first game with the Blue Jays is one that he will surely remember for a very long time.
The youngster scored one run and recorded a hit in two at-bats against the Phillies during Friday night’s game.
As a reward for his standout game to kick off his MLB career, he was gifted a baseball for recording his first career hit. In a display of character, Bateman gifted the baseball to his parents.
Toronto Blue Jays vs Philadelphia Phillies: Full Lineup For Both Teams
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 7: The outfield video board announces a weather delay before a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
Here is the lineup for the Blue Jays for Game 2:
- RF: Nathan Lukes
- CF: Brett Bateman
- 1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- DH: Jesus Sanchez
- 2B: Ernie Clement
- SS: Andres Gimenez
- C: Brandon Valenzuela
- 3B: Josh Smith
- LF: Myles Straw
*George Springer was a late scratch for Saturday’s game.
On the flip side, here is the lineup for the Phillies as they look to get back in the Win column on Saturday night:
- 1B: Schwarber
- SS: Turner
- DH: Harper
- 2B: Arraez
- 3B: Stott
- LF: Marsh
- CF: Crawford
- RF: De La Cruz
- C: Stubbs
Game 2 is scheduled for 6:05 PM Eastern Time on August 8th, 2026. Fans can watch the game on NBCSP and Sportsnet.
One way or another, this is a massively important game for Toronto.
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