Analysis: The switch hitter's contributions weren't limited to his bat -- Heineman rang up the final out of the game by throwing out Jacob Young on an attempted steal of second base in the ninth inning. While two games is hardly enough of a sample to suggest the 33-year-old with the .589 career OPS in 306 big-league plate appearances is headed for a breakout, Heineman is at least on his way to earning more playing time with his play. Starting catcher Alejandro Kirk has never been behind the plate for more than 99 games in a season, so if Heineman keeps finding ways to make an impact, he could become a useful second catcher in AL-only formats.

Analysis: Straw made his second start in center field Wednesday and logged his first hit of the season when he doubled off MacKenzie Gore in the second inning. Straw logged his second double in the sixth frame and proceeded to cross home plate two batters later on a fielder's choice. He'll maintain his spot on the Blue Jays' roster as a reserve outfielder for as long as Daulton Varsho (shoulder) is on the injured list.

Analysis: Springer took an 85 mph changeup from MacKenzie Gore deep to left field for a 368-foot homer in the fourth inning, his first of the 2025 campaign. Springer has recorded an RBI in four straight games and has gone 7-for-15 with two doubles, one home run and five RBI over that span. He'll look to continue his momentum this weekend against the Mets.

Analysis: Hoffman needed only eight pitches to notch his second save of the year Tuesday, but he faced tougher resistance in Wednesday's bout. He quickly registered the first two outs of the ninth frame, but he proceeded to allow three straight hits, including an RBI double to Nathaniel Lowe, before a caught stealing ended the contest. Hoffman has secured a save in all three chances he's had and has tossed just 18 pitches across his last two outings.

Analysis: With Max Scherzer (thumb) on the IL, Lucas was given the ball Wednesday for his first major-league start. Despite being limited to bullpen work for most of his career, Lucas managed to reach five innings to qualify for the win, tossing 74 pitches (45 strikes) while generating 11 whiffs. Given his strong outing, it wouldn't be surprising to see Lucas get another turn in the rotation, which is lined up for next week against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Analysis: After starting in each of the last three games while going 4-for-10 with a double, a run and an RBI, Roden will hit the bench along with fellow left-handed batter Will Wagner as the Nationals send southpaw MacKenzie Gore to the hill. Davis Schneider will check in for Roden in left field and will bat seventh.

Analysis: The 40-year-old right-hander lasted only three innings and 45 pitches during his Blue Jays debut Saturday and was subsequently placed on the 15-day IL, but Scherzer's stay on the shelf could end up being close to minimum length if the cortisone shots have the desired effect. In the meantime, Easton Lucas will slot in for a spot start Wednesday, but Toronto's rotation plans after that are unclear.

Analysis: The Blue Jays faced right-handers in each of the first six games of the season and the left-handed hitting Wagner was in the lineup for all of them. With the Nationals sending southpaw MacKenzie Gore to the hill, Wagner will take a seat. Ernie Clement is at third base for the Blue Jays, and George Springer is at designated hitter.

Analysis: Kirk caught Tuesday's night game, so he'll receive a breather for Wednesday's afternoon tilt. Tyler Heineman will do the catching for the series finale.

Analysis: As long as he isn't needed in relief Tuesday, Lucas will take the ball Wednesday in what would be his first major-league start. He's filling the spot vacated by Max Scherzer (thumb), and the lefty could be needed for additional starts while Scherzer recovers.

Analysis: Easton Lucas is tentatively lined up to start Wednesday in place of Max Scherzer (thumb), as long as Lucas not needed in relief Tuesday. Gausman would be pitching on seven days' rest if he does indeed take the ball Friday.

Analysis: The hope is that the injection will help reduce inflammation and discomfort in the thumb. Scherzer was placed on the 15-day injured list over the weekend, and when he will resume throwing will be determined based on how the thumb responds to rest and the injection.

Analysis: Jeff Hoffman had pitched Saturday and Sunday, so Garcia got the call to protect a three-run lead Monday. The 34-year-old righty has been busy himself to begin the year, appearing in three of the Jays' first five games and posting a 4:0 K:BB over three scoreless innings. Garcia is locked into a high-leverage role and should see a handful of save opportunities the rest of the season when Hoffman is unavailable.

Analysis: Gimenez got the Blue Jays into the scoring column with a solo shot in the second inning Monday. The 26-year-old former All-Star has put together an impressive power display during the very early stages of the campaign, as he's now slashing .333/.455/.944 with three long balls, two doubles, five RBI, and seven runs scored through five games. Although the slugging percentage is unsustainable, the speedy Gimenez is certainly thriving as Toronto's cleanup batter so far.

Analysis: Although Francis gave up just two hits, both were home runs. In fact, the right-hander had tossed five no-hit innings before CJ Abrams and James Wood went back-to-back for a couple of solo shots in the sixth frame. Francis is set to function as a full-time member of the rotation in 2025 and how has a 1.50 ERA over his last nine starts dating back to last year, with his next showing tentatively set for this weekend on the road against the Mets.

Analysis: Kevin Gausman is currently penciled in for Wednesday, but they could push him back to Friday if Lucas isn't needed in relief prior to Wednesday. The Blue Jays are in need of a fill-in starter for Max Scherzer (thumb), and it seems they're leaning toward Lucas over Yariel Rodriguez.

Analysis: Gausman is currently scheduled to take the ball Wednesday versus the Nationals, but the Blue Jays might have Easton Lucas start that day if he's not needed in long relief before then. There does not appear to be anything wrong physically with Gausman, as this would simply give him a couple extra days of rest and also allow him to face the tougher lineup.

Analysis: Varsho has been gradually increasing his throwing distance since the early stages of spring training, and the Blue Jays are confident that he's trending in the right direction as he works his way back from rotator cuff surgery, which he underwent last September. Varsho will likely need to extend his distance to around 175 to 200 feet before he would be considered ready to play the outfield in rehab games. Since Varsho is fully cleared to hit and was able to get in plenty of at-bats during the Grapefruit League as a designated hitter, he likely won't need a lengthy rehab assignment before the Blue Jays bring him back from the 10-day injured list. He could be trending toward a mid-April debut with the big club.

Analysis: Burr missed all of spring training and landed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. While it's certainly a good sign he's able to play catch, the reliever does not appear to be close to returning.

Analysis: Clement has now hit the bench three times through the Blue Jays' first five games. All of his absences have come against right-handed pitching, so Clement may be viewed as more of a part-time player even after performing at a better-than-league-average level versus righties in 2024 (.312 wOBA, 104 wRC+). Playing time could become even more difficult to come by for Clement when Daulton Varsho (shoulder) returns from the injured list, as Will Wagner would likely be deployed at third base even more frequently after having thus far moved between the hot corner and designated hitter.