Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was not in Saturday’s lineup against the New York Yankees due to back tightness.
Manager John Schneider told the media he wanted to give Guerrero Jr. a day off after he experienced the tightness during Friday series-opening 8-5 win against the visiting Yankees.
“Back was a little tight yesterday, and been kind of grinding, so just wanted to give him a blow,” Schneider explained. “Talked to him after the game, but he’s feeling a little bit better today.”
The 27-year-old produced one hit and one RBI over five at-bats in Friday’s win.
Guerrero Jr., who’s currently in the first season of a 14-year, $500 million contract, has struggled all season long, owning a .280 batting average with just three home runs and 27 RBIs.
He also has a .372 on-base percentage and a career low .737 slugging percentage alongside 30 strikeouts across 246 at-bats.
Guerrero Jr. has not hit a home run since May 17 against the Detroit Tigers and has not gone deep at home in 2026.
Expectations were high for Guerrero Jr. entering this season after putting together one of the best playoff performances in history last October, hitting .397 with eight homers, 14 walks and 15 RBIs alongside a incredible 1.289 slugging percentage over 18 games.
Guerrero Jr. has spent his entire eight-year career with the Blue Jays, highlighted by five All-Star appearances.
Star catcher Alejandro Kirk, who returned to action on Friday after being out since April 3 with a broken thumb, was not in Saturday’s lineup against the Yankees.
The 27-year-old Mexican recorded three hits, two RBIs and a walk in his first game back from injury.
Toronto sits at 34-36 entering Saturday’s game, a half game back of the Texas Rangers and Athletics for the third and final Wild Card spot in the American League.
