The Toronto Blue Jays will have to open their series against the Chicago Cubs without one of their most consistent producers.

Second baseman Ernie Clement is out of Friday’s lineup as he battles left hip soreness, manager John Schneider told reporters pre-game.

Schneider added that the Blue Jays have been looking to get the 30-year-old a day off in a stretch of 16 games in 16 days and that “today seemed to make sense.”

After a record-setting 2025 post-season, Clement has continued that momentum in 2026, slashing .294/.313/.443 with seven home runs and 28 RBI in 289 at-bats. He leads the American League with 20 doubles.

Clement has appeared in all but one game so far this season.

The Blue Jays look to continue momentum from their last series sweep as they take on the Cubs in Chicago. Watch live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 2:20 p.m. ET / 11:20 a.m. PT.