Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is back in the Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup Saturday as Toronto continues its push for the postseason. The Blue Jays enter the second game of their series against the New York Yankees at 63-67, sitting a half-game behind the Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins for the American League’s final wild card spot.
If the Blue Jays are going to make a late-season run, they will need significantly more from their star first baseman. Guerrero is hitting .263 with seven home runs, 46 RBIs and a .693 OPS through 115 games, well below the production Toronto expected from its six-time All-Star.
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With Guerrero returning from the seven-day injured list, Blue Jays manager John Schneider made it clear what he wants out of his star moving forward.
Schneider told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game that he wants to see Guerrero return to his “normal” self.
“That’s all we’re looking for, nothing crazy. It would be great if he went on one of those crazy heaters like he did in the postseason, but it’s about hitting the ball hard, playing defense and being Vlad” (via MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson).
Guerrero’s 2026 numbers are a significant drop from his elite production the previous year. After signing a $500 million deal with the Blue Jays in 2025, he hit .292/.381/.467 with an .848 OPS, 23 home runs and 84 RBIs compared to .263/.337/.356 this season.
However, his recent performances have fueled some optimism among Blue Jays faithful. Guerrero hit .310 over his final seven games prior to his recent injury, while his August OPS sits at .840.
He will have his first opportunity to build on that Saturday against a Yankees team that has won five straight games. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium.
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