Kirk to make spring debut as Blue Jays take on Red Sox

For the first time in spring training, Alejandro Kirk will be in the Toronto Blue Jays lineup when they take on the Boston Red Sox.

Kirk was late to arrive at Blue Jays camp by two and a half weeks because he was awaiting the birth of his first child. This also led to him withdrawing from the World Baseball Classic as he chose to focus on getting up to speed with the Blue Jays instead of playing for Mexico.

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“I know I won’t have the regular spring training,” Kirk said upon his arrival. “It’s kind of short timing, but at the same time, you’ve got to be smart about it. We’re going to be working hard. I know I’ve got to work a little bit harder to get ready for the season.”

As Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, writes, the 24-year-old will be an integral part of the Blue Jays’ plans on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he’ll share catching duties with Danny Jansen.

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At the plate, Kirk is expected to get regular starts at DH along with Brandon Belt and others. Following an All-Star season in which Kirk batted .285, posted a .786 OPS and won a Silver Slugger, he’ll begin the season in the middle of the Blue Jays’ batting order and will bat third against Boston.

Watch the Blue Jays take on the Red Sox in Dunedin, Fla., on Sportsnet with first pitch scheduled at 1:07 p.m. ET.