Sanchez, Heineman get first starts as Blue Jays look to sweep Athletics

Left fielder Jesus Sanchez will get his first begin for the group, batting between George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as the Blue Jays goal to sweep the Athletics on Sunday (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 1:30 pm ET / 10:30 am PT).

Sánchez, who was acquired from the Houston Astros early in spring coaching for Joey Loperfido, made his Blue Jays debut Saturday as pinch-hitter for Myles Straw. He went 1-for-2 with two runs and an RBI within the 8-7 extra-innings win.

Meanwhile, catcher Tyler Heineman is ready for his season debut within the nine-hole as Alejandro Kirk will get a time without work.

Heineman had a strong stint as the Blue Jays’ main backup final season, showing in 61 video games with a .289 batting common, three dwelling runs and 20 RBIs.

Starter Eric Lauer will get the nod on the mound for his first begin of the season. The left-hander loved a breakout 2025 for the Blue Jays, going 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA and 102 strikeouts over 104.2 innings.

But he’ll be robust to replicate the Blue Jays’ first two starters after Kevin Gausman punched out 11 over six innings earlier than Dylan Cease struck out 12 throughout 5.1 frames.

The Athletics will counter with 23-year-old righty Luis Morales, who debuted final season with a 4-3 report and three.14 ERA over 10 video games (9 starts).

The Blue Jays proceed their season-opening homestand Monday after they start a three-game collection in opposition to the Colorado Rockies.