The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to get back into the win column on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Toronto has dropped two straight games and sits three games under .500 after the first month of play.
However, the Blue Jays slow start is not entirely their fault. The club has dealt with numerous injuries to key position players, which has contributed to the inconsistency. With so many teammates sidelined, first basemanVladimir Guerrero Jr. has carried much of the offensive load.
Through 35 games, Guerrero owns a .331 batting average, .416 on-base percentage, .847 OPS, two home runs and 16 RBIs. The 27-year-old superstar, now in his eighth season with Toronto, has picked up right where he left off last October when he led the Blue Jays to the World Series.
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Ahead of Tuesday’s matchup with Tampa Bay, Guerrero was not in the starting lineup, an unexpected development. Prior to Tuesday, he had started all 35 of Toronto’s games in some capacity, either at designated hitter or his usual spot at first base. On Tuesday, Lenyn Sosa drew the start at first while George Springer slotted in at DH.
Moments before first pitch, an update from Mitch Bannon of The Athletic confirmed that Guerrero’s absence was not injury-related and that the day off was planned. Guerrero is expected to be available off the bench should the Blue Jays need a pinch-hitter in a key situation.
Just a planned day off for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the #BlueJays today
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) May 5, 2026
That news is reassuring for Blue Jays fans, especially after a month filled with disappointing injury updates. If Guerrero were to go down, it would be the biggest blow of all.
No player on the roster is as impactful as Guerrero, a five-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner. Fortunately for Toronto, he is locked in long-term, signed through the 2039 season on a massive 14-year, $500 million contract.
With the Blue Jays trying to get back on track in 2026, keeping Guerrero healthy and fresh remains one of the organization’s top priorities.
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