TORONTO — Whit Merrifield went 3 for 4, including a home run, as Toronto's new leadoff man to help the Blue Jays down the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 on Friday.
Toronto manager John Schneider pencilled Merrifield in at the top of the Blue Jays' batting order for the game, bumping George Springer down to fifth.
Matt Chapman and Danny Jansen had solo home runs in the second and third innings respectively as Toronto (58-46) earned a critical win in the American League's wild card race. Bo Bichette scored Merrifield with a double in the sixth.