Toronto Blue Jaysfirst basemanVladimir Guerrero Jr. is in the middle of a career-worst season. The 27-year-old superstar has posted a .268 batting average, .347 on-base percentage, .695 OPS, four home runs and 34 RBIs across 81 games.
The Blue Jays have had a disappointing season after last year's dream run to the World Series, and it is hard to point the blame at anyone more than Guerrero.
He is the face of the franchise and only in year one of his massive 14-year, $500 million contract. He is a five-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove award winner, so the expectations are naturally high, and he has fallen well short of them this year.
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Guerrero has not been at full strength this season, which may be contributing to his struggles. He has continued to deal with back tightness throughout June, missing multiple games due to the injury. However, he had been trying to push through it, and it had not flared up in over a week.
Unfortunately, it flared up again before Tuesday's game against the New York Mets. Guerrero was originally included in the starting lineup but was scratched hours before game time.
Luis Urias entered the lineup in his place, stepping in defensively at second base, with Ernie Clement shifting to the hot corner and rookie Sean Keys taking over the vacant spot at first base.
Moments later, the Blue Jays confirmed the reason for his removal. "UPDATE: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from tonight's starting lineup with back tightness," the team wrote on X.
Manager John Schneider will likely provide further updates on Guerrero's condition after the game.
It is still unclear whether this is a day-to-day situation or, given that this is the third time the back has flared up this month, whether the Blue Jays may be forced to place him on the 10-day injured list.
