The Toronto Blue Jays (54-62) head into Friday’s series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies (62-54) looking to respond after another frustrating loss. Toronto let a late lead slip away Thursday, falling 3-2 to the Chicago Cubs in 11 innings after Alex Bregman’s ninth-inning homer tied the game before a throwing error brought home the winning run.
The Blue Jays will have to try to rebound without Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the starting lineup for a third consecutive game, a rare development for the otherwise durable first baseman. Guerrero has been dealing with right hamstring tightness and has not played since August 4 against the Houston Astros.
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The decision to sit out Guerrero raised a few eyebrows. However, John Schneider eased concerns ahead of Friday’s game.
The Blue Jays manager confirmed that Guerrero is “feeling better” and that the hamstring tightness is easing, with the first baseman scheduled to do more work on the field before the game to determine whether he could be available off the bench. Schneider also said Guerrero is trending toward returning to the starting lineup Saturday (via Shi Davidi of Sportsnet).
It’s an encouraging development from Thursday’s update. While Schneider told reporters there was no injury to Guerrero, he confirmed that the six-time All-Star was still experiencing some tightness.
Guerrero is batting .259 with six home runs, 44 RBIs and a .687 OPS through 401 at-bats. Despite his disappointing form this season, Guerrero’s return would give the lineup another significant bat. But the Blue Jays will have to handle Friday’s game without him in the starting nine.
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The Blue Jays sit last in the American League East and are 15 games behind first-place Tampa Bay Rays. They are also 3.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins for the final AL wild card spot.
