Toronto Blue Jays first base man Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited Tuesday’s 8-6 loss to the Washington Nationals with right hamstring tightness. The six-time All-Star was held out of Wednesday’s series finale, missing his fifth game of the season. The Blue Jays went on to beat Washington 5-2 without their franchise star, improving to 50-59.
Toronto opens a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, looking to sneak back into the American League playoff picture. The club has continued to rely heavily on Guerrero this season despite his unusual slump. Through 103 games, he is batting .265 with six home runs, 44 RBIs, 102 hits, and a .702 OPS.
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Blue Jays, however, have now cleared Guerrero to return against the Cardinals. Manager John Schneider told reporters that Guerrero is feeling better after spending Thursday at Rogers Centre taking batting practice and testing his hamstring on the bases (via Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling).
After responding well, the club decided he will start at first base against the Cardinals.
Now back in the lineup, Guerrero will have another chance to snap one of the more surprising streaks of his season. Despite playing 51 of Toronto’s scheduled games at Rogers Centre, the six-time All-Star is still searching for his first home run at home in 2026.
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First pitch for Friday’s game is scheduled for 7:07 pm ET, with Dylan Cease taking the mound. The Blue Jays will look to close the gap in the AL wild card race, while the Cardinals, losers of four of their last five games, will be seeking a turnaround.
