Although Ryan Goins is the Blue Jays' starting second baseman, he was not in the starting lineup Monday against the Rays, replaced by Maicer Izturis in the season opener.
Manager John Gibbons said he went with Izturis because Rays starting pitcher David Price is tough on lefties, but added Goins sitting against left-handed starters won't be a regular occurrence.
"It's not an easy call because you want the kid's defense," Gibbons said of sitting Goins.