PHOENIX — There are several reasons why the lineup connectivity so instrumental to the Toronto Blue Jays’ success a year ago appears so disjointed right now — as demonstrated most recently by Friday's 6-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The absence of George Springer, Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger — potentially set to be exacerbated as Daulton Varsho is now dealing with left knee discomfort — is front and centre in that regard, pulling three impact bats from the mix while forcing part-time players into more prominent roles.

Then, there are the newcomers to the lineup that the club is still “trying to onboard … as to how this all works, and how it works in conjunction with one-through-nine, or one-through-13,” said manager John Schneider. “That's part of what's been missing offensively.”

Among the ways that’s manifested on the field........

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