Why Ernie Clement isn't hitting leadoff or 2nd in Blue Jays' lineup anymore

Ernie Clement did everything the Toronto Blue Jays could've wanted from him in the first and second spots in the batting lineup.

But it doesn't look like Clement will be hitting leadoff anymore, at least for a while. He's back in the 6-spot in the order for Thursday's game.

It's logical, of course, but it still feels like a notable change.

Why isn't Ernie Clement at the top of the order?

Clement has been relegated down the lineup card because of the return of George Springer.

Springer had missed a few weeks, and in that time, Clement had moved into the top-two spots, spending time in both.

Now that Springer is back, he'll DH and bat leadoff whenever he plays.

Clement returns to the back half of the lineup, where he proved last season he can still make quite the impact.

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Ernie Clement stats

Through April 29, Clement is batting .301 this season. He just hit his first home run of the season on that date.

He also leads the entire major leagues with 13 doubles.

Clement has a .748 OPS despite having only worked three walks through 30 games. He's a guy that's going to swing, make a lot of contact and make things happen.

That works at the top of the lineup as well as the bottom half.

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