Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not in the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting lineup for the second consecutive day as the team faces the Chicago Cubs on Thursday afternoon, according to TSN.
Managerer John Schneider described Wednesday’s absence as a day off, noting that Guerrero was dealing with hamstring tightness. The issue became apparent after Guerrero appeared to experience discomfort while attempting to leg out a ground ball in the eighth inning of Tuesday’s loss to the Houston Astros, though he remained in the game at first base for the remainder of the inning.
Schneider said after that game that Guerrero, who had previously missed time with a hamstring injury, is not dealing with anything “major” and described him as “tight, tired.” The decision to rest him for a second straight game suggests the club is taking a cautious approach with the injury.
Guerrero’s absence comes during what has been a difficult season for both the player and the team. Through 108 games, he is slashing .259/.338/.349 with six home runs and 44 RBI. The Jays have struggled overall this season as well, but the team has shown it can compete without their star first baseman.
Wednesday’s game against the Astros demonstrated the team’s resilience in Guerrero’s absence. Toronto defeated Houston 5-4 in extra innings, with Ernie Clement delivering a towering two-run homer to lead off the 10th inning. A Cleveland Guardians loss later that day improved Toronto’s playoff positioning, leaving the Jays (54-61) just three games out of the final American League wild-card spot heading into Thursday’s action.
Following Thursday’s rainout make-up game against the Cubs, the Blue Jays will travel to Philadelphia for a weekend series against the Phillies. The team will be hoping Guerrero can return to full health in the coming days as they continue their push toward a wild-card berth.
Key facts
- Guerrero Jr. is out of the starting lineup for the second straight day Thursday against the Cubs
- Manager John Schneider described Guerrero as dealing with hamstring tightness
- Guerrero showed discomfort after attempting to leg out a ground ball in Tuesday’s game but remained in the game
- Schneider said the hamstring issue is not “major” and described Guerrero as “tight, tired”
- Guerrero has batted .259 with 6 home runs and 44 RBI in 108 games this season
- The Blue Jays defeated the Astros 5-4 in extra innings Wednesday with Ernie Clement’s two-run homer
- Toronto is 54-61 and three games out of the final AL wild-card spot