The Toronto Blue Jays will begin a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park at 6:40 p.m. EDT on Friday.
Before Friday’s game, Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced an update on first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is out of the lineup for the third straight game.
Toronto Blue Jays’ John Schneider Reveals Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Update
Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi wrote on X: “Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s hamstring tightness is easing and he’ll do more work on the field pre-game to see if he’s available off the bench, said John Schneider. “He’s feeling better.” Trending toward back in the lineup tomorrow.”
Guerrero looked uncomfortable after running out a ground ball in Tuesday’s game against Washington. He has been dealing with a hamstring problem for a while and also has had a nagging back issue throughout the season.
Looking at Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Season
Guerrero, who signed a 14-year, $500 million extension with Toronto in April 2025, has had an uncharacteristically poor season. The first baseman is hitting just .259/.338/.349 with six home runs and 44 RBI over 108 games.
One has to wonder if Guerrero’s back and hamstring issues are a reason he has struggled so badly this year.
Last year, Guerrero posted 4.6 bWAR and a .292/.381/.467 slash line with 23 home runs and 84 RBI over 156 regular season games. During the 2025 playoffs, the first baseman hit more home runs (eight) in 18 games than he has hit this season (six) while slashing .397/.494/.795.
Guerrero made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 2019. Over his eight seasons in the majors, Guerrero has made six All-Star teams and won ALCS MVP, a Gold Glove award and two Silver Slugger Awards. He also won a Home Run Derby.
Toronto Blue Jays Right Now
The Toronto Blue Jays made several trades before last Monday’s deadline. Most notably, they dealt right-handed starter Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs, outfielder Daulton Varsho to the Houston Astros and right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman to the Minnesota Twins.
Despite selling at the deadline, Toronto is still in the postseason race. With a 54-62 record, the Blue Jays are 3 1/2 games back of the Texas Rangers for the final American League Wild Card spot.
Toronto Blue Jays Manager Announces Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Update Before Phillies Game