Vladimir Guerrero Jr. headed to the Blue Jays’ clubhouse in the fourth inning Sunday at Globe Life Field, leaving Toronto without its No. 2 hitter and starting first baseman during a tight American League Wild Card chase. The club listed the issue as stiffness in his lower left back.
| Sunday at Rangers | Result before exit |
|---|---|
| Plate appearances | 2 |
| Hits | 1 |
| Inning removed | 4th |
Myles Straw took Guerrero’s spot in the Toronto lineup. The Blue Jays began the series finale three games behind the White Sox for the final AL postseason position, having dropped four of their previous five games.
September production
| Guerrero in September | Figure |
|---|---|
| Games | 17 |
| Batting average | .292 |
| Home runs | 2 |
| RBIs | 8 |
| OPS | .796 |
| Defensive runs saved at first base | 10 |
The timing is unwelcome for a Toronto club leaning on Guerrero’s late-season push. His two September homers included his first of the year at Rogers Centre, and his 10 defensive runs saved at first rank second among major league first basemen.
Guerrero has played through several physical concerns this season. He spent time on the seven-day concussion injured list in August after colliding with Yankees shortstop George Lombard. Back and hamstring issues have also surfaced during the year, though neither previously required an injured-list move.
