The Yankees have recently secured back-to-back series wins, narrowing the gap in the American League East standings against the Blue Jays. However, Toronto faces a setback with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s potential injury.
According to manager John Schneider, Guerrero had to exit Monday’s game after six innings due to hamstring tension, but he plans to undergo an MRI. “We’re hopeful he’ll be okay in a day or two,” Schneider mentioned. “He’s crucial to our lineup.”
The injury reportedly happened when Guerrero made a split play in the third inning. Additionally, the broadcast caught him indicating discomfort in his left hamstring during the first inning.
Guerrero’s dynamic fielding contributed significantly during the game, especially noted during a slow throw from shortstop Beau Bichette to first base, successfully aiding in tagging out the Pirates’ Jared Triolo.
Ty France stepped in for Guerrero, who has been a consistent presence in 124 of the Blue Jays’ 126 games this season.
The extent of Guerrero’s injury won’t be clear until the MRI results come back, but whenever he’s sidelined, it impacts Toronto greatly. The team is currently navigating a five-game lead over both the Yankees and Red Sox after a loss to Pittsburgh.
Guerrero, who secured a 14-year, $500 million contract in April, boasts impressive stats this season with a .300 batting average, an .898 OPS, 21 home runs, and 68 RBIs.
Since the beginning of the year, the Blue Jays have shown some of the best performance stretches in the league, overtaking the Yankees in the standings and gaining a cushion for the home stretch of the season.
Meanwhile, the Yankees seemed to regain some energy, having swept the Cardinals over the weekend after winning two out of three games against the Twins, which followed a difficult couple of months.
They will kick off a two-game series with the Rays in Tampa on Tuesday, while the Blue Jays look to continue their series with the Pirates, all eyes on Guerrero’s condition.
