The Toronto Blue Jays dropped the series finale against the Miami Marlins, 5-3, on Sunday, but had a positive development play out during the loss: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. pinch-hit for Ty France in the top of the eighth inning.
Although the star slugger popped out, it marked his first game action since Monday, when he exited early against the Pittsburgh Pirates with hamstring tightness.
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Guerrero has been a force in the lineup all season, posting a .298 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, .894 OPS, 21 home runs, and 69 RBIs across 124 games. The 26-year-old earned his fifth consecutive All-Star selection and continues to solidify himself as one of the league’s premier power threats.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27)Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Update After Early Exit
Guerrero did not remain in the game after his pinch-hit appearance. Instead, Myles Straw entered the game as the left fielder and the Blue Jays made two other position switches in the infield to replace France defensively at first base.
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After the game, manager John Schneider clarified the decision was precautionary. He said he expects Guerrero to be ready to start at first base on Monday against the Minnesota Twins.
“Blue Jays played it safe by not asking Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to take the field after pinch hitting today, but manager John Schneider indicated that Guerrero Jr. should be available vs. Twins. ‘Going forward, I’d expect him to be back in there,’ Schneider said,” wrote Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
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Guerrero Key to Blue Jays Future Success
This update comes at a critical time for Toronto, which is chasing its first AL East title since 2015. Guerrero’s bat will be essential down the stretch as the Blue Jays try to maintain their lead over the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
Guerrero became the highest-paid player in franchise history when he signed a 14-year, $500 million extension in April. He has lived up to expectations, helping lead Toronto into first place in the AL East.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.