Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is in the Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup for game one of their doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles for the first time since leaving Sunday’s game with a lower-back injury.
He will bat second and play first base.
Guerrero was originally not listed in the team’s starting lineup but was a late add just prior to first pitch. Sean Keys, who was set to hit fifth and play first base in the original lineup, will now start on the bench.
The 27-year-old first baseman exited Sunday’s game against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the fourth inning. Manager John Schneider later told reporters Guerrero had aggravated his back stretching for a ball at first base a few games earlier.
Guerrero enters play Wednesday slashing .263/.336/.359 with nine home runs and 56 RBI in 141 games so far this season.
The Blue Jays need to win both of their games Wednesday to keep their playoff hopes alive. In addition, any win by the Cleveland Guardians or Chicago White Sox the rest of the season will officially eliminate them. The Guardians play the Boston Red Sox and the White Sox take on the Kansas City Royals.
After their doubleheader in Baltimore, Toronto will be off Thursday and head home to take on the Cincinnati Reds at Rogers Centre to close out the regular season.
