Busy day, what with Reed Johnson getting released after losing his battle with Shannon Stewart. It's no surprise, really, since from Day 1 general manager J.P. Ricciardi has hammered home the idea that he wants to go north with the deepest OFFENSIVE lineup possible.

Johnson was auditioning to be a fourth outfielder - not a fourth line winger on an NHL team - so stow all that nonsense about grit. Stewart's as capable as Johnson of getting hit by a pitch.

Left field won't be a strict platoon and the Blue Jays believe that although both Stewart and Johnson are right-handed hitters, Johnson's loftier career average against righties (.298 compared to .267) makes him a more useful player. Defence would be an issue in right or centre field - not in left. If you're counting on your left-fielder to throw people out, you're in big, big trouble - you're pitchers are getting racked around.

The deal also saves the Blue Jays some coin, since Johnson was due to earn $3.275 million this year and Stewart will make $1.5 million with  a $250,000 bonus for 400 plate appearances.

Now to the lineups (Pat Burrell was a late scratch for the Phillies)

I'm told A.J. Burnett has a new fake fingernail on his right index finger ...

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Jimmy Rollins SS
Shane Victorino CF
Chase Utley, 2B
Ryan Howard, DH
Chris Snelling, LF
Geoff Jenkins, RF
Pedro Feliz, 3B
Eric Bruntlett, 1B
Carlos Ruiz, C
P: Cole Hamels

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

David Eckstein, SS
Shannon Stewart, LF
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Frank Thomas, DH
Aaron Hill, 2B
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Marco Scutaro, 3B
Rod Barajas, C
P: A.J. Burnett