Blue Jays lineup: Nathan Lukes vs. Jesus Sanchez, Kazuma Okamoto debut in spotlight on Opening Day

The Toronto Blue Jays are back.

Their starting lineup will look quite familiar, with a notable exception, when they play their Opening Day game on Friday night against the Athletics.

The notable absence: Bo Bichette. He plays for the New York Mets now.

Otherwise, these are some familiar faces, plus one.

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Blue Jays lineup on Friday, March 27

This is the batting order:

1. George Springer DH
2. Nathan Lukes LF
3. Vladimir Guerrero 1B
4. Addison Barger RF
5. Alejandro Kirk C
6. Daulton Varsho CF
7. Kazuma Okamoto 3B
8. Ernie Clement 2B
9. Andres Gimenez SS

Okamoto is making his Toronto debut after signing a four-year contract to come to MLB from Japan.

Kevin Gausman is starting on the mound.

Why is Nathan Lukes playing instead of Jesus Sanchez?

This appears to be a celebratory move by Toronto.

Lukes was with the Blue Jays for the special season, so he gets the Opening Day nod.

Sanchez was acquired in trade this offseason, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him get an at bat off the bench in this one.

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