The Toronto Blue Jays entered Monday night’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates firmly atop the AL East with a 73-52 record. After being removed from the game, the Blue Jays confirmed that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited against Pittsburgh with left hamstring tightness, stemming from a play at first base where he stretched his leg about as far as possible. "UPDATE: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from tonight's game with left hamstring tightness," Blue Jays posted on social media.
The Toronto Blue Jays entered Monday night’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates firmly atop the AL East with a 73-52 record.
But that quickly took a back seat when star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.—who signed a massive 14-year, $500 million extension this offseason—was pulled from the game after just two at-bats. He was replaced by Ty France.
Guerrero’s exit came shortly after he made a miraculous play at first base, stretching into nearly a full split to secure an out. Despite the awkward motion, he popped up quickly and jogged off under his own power, appearing to be fine as he returned to the dugout.
Blue Jays Give Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Update
After being removed from the game, the Blue Jays confirmed that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited against Pittsburgh with left hamstring tightness, stemming from a play at first base where he stretched his leg about as far as possible.
"UPDATE: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from tonight's game with left hamstring tightness," Blue Jays posted on social media.
UPDATE: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from tonight's game with left hamstring tightness.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 19, 2025
While this could be a precautionary move to avoid further aggravation, the timing is concerning this late in the season. An IL stint would be the last thing Toronto needs with the team firing on all cylinders and Guerrero Jr. playing a central role.
Fans React to News
"We will have to wait and see… but if he is injured long term the season is over. This team can’t catch a break," a fan said.
Someone else added, "Prayer circle immediately."
Another person wrote, "JUST TAKE MINE PLEASE I NEVER HAD A USE FOR IT ANYWAY."
One more person commented, "NOOOO."
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesJohn E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Entering Monday, the 26-year-old had 464 at-bats, tallying 139 hits, 21 home runs, and 68 RBIs while posting a .300 batting average and .898 OPS. He has spent his entire seven-year career with the Blue Jays and could very well remain in Toronto long term.
The Blue Jays’ upcoming schedule, however, is fairly formidable. They’ll face the Pirates two more times after Monday night before beginning three-game series against the Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins.
To close out August, Toronto will return home for a challenging matchup with the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers, who own the best record in baseball at 79-45 and recently won 14 straight games before the streak was snapped Sunday by the Cincinnati Reds.
Related: Blue Jays' John Schneider Announces Significant Roster News on Monday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: Baseball
