Projecting Blue Jays Opening Day roster

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TORONTO — If it weren’t for a 99-day lockout, the Toronto Blue Jays would be opening their 2022 season in Baltimore at a reconfigured Camden Yards today.

Instead of that roadie, they’ll get the pleasure of getting things going at home next Friday night at the Rogers Centre against old friend Marcus Semien and the new-look Texas Rangers, a team that has expanded-postseason aspirations after spending a whole lot of pre-lockout money on the one-year Jays star as well as shortstop Corey Seager.

While the Rangers are eyeing a wildcard spot in the new format, the Jays are absolutely hunting a division title this season, and with a little more than a week to go until Opening Day, manager Charlie Montoyo has about as set a roster as you could ask for.

Health has been the key — go knock on some wood, Jays fans — and barring some sort of cataclysmic event in the next few days, the club has managed to avoid major injuries through a condensed spring training schedule over the past three weeks.

As far as job battles go, there are a couple bench spots somewhat up for grabs, as well as the usual tinkering with the bullpen mix in order to protect as much depth as possible heading into the 162-game grind.

With just six Grapefruit League games left to go until the Jays fly home to Toronto next Wednesday, here’s a look at how the roster takes shape.

OPENING DAY LINEUP

1—CF George Springer (R) 2—SS Bo Bichette (R) 3—1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) 4—RF Teoscar Hernandez (R) 5—LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (R) 6—3B Matt Chapman (R) 7—2B Cavan Biggio (L) 8—DH Alejandro Kirk (R) 9—C Danny Jansen (R)  SP—RHP Jose Berrios

Bench—C Reese McGuire (L) Bench—INF Santiago Espinal (R) Bench—OF Raimel Tapia (L) Bench—1B Greg Bird (L)

POSITION