Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left Monday night’s matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates after appearing to tweak his left hamstring.
The Blue Jays would end up losing 5-2.
During the early innings in Pittsburgh, television cameras showed the Toronto slugger pointing toward his hamstring while signaling to the dugout. By the fifth inning, manager John Schneider opted to pull him from the game, sending Ty France in as a pinch-hitter.
Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson later confirmed Guerrero was dealing with tightness in his left hamstring and that updates would follow from manager John Schneider.
Whether it turns into a short-term concern or something more significant, this could have a major impact on the Blue Jays’ stretch run.
Guerrero has been one of the most consistent bats in the lineup this season for the Blue Jays. Entering play Monday, he carried a .298 batting average with a .396 on-base percentage and a .498 slugging mark. He’s piled up 30 doubles, 21 home runs, 69 RBIs, and 83 runs scored.
If Guerrero does need time on the injured list, France would be the most logical option at first base. There's also a chance utility man Ernie Clement could see action. Of course, if Guerrero’s tightness proves minor, the Blue Jays may only need to get by without him for a couple of games.
Toronto began the week with a five-game cushion over Boston in the AL East standings, while the Yankees sat 5.5 games back. The team is pushing for its first division crown since 2015 and only its second since 1993.
Guerrero’s availability down the stretch could go a long way in determining whether that pursuit ends with a playoff berth.