Toronto makes a significant lineup shift for Sunday’s series finale against the Detroit Tigers, moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from his usual No. 3 spot to bat second. The decision comes as Guerrero has gone without a hit in his last three games and has struggle
The Toronto Blue Jays aren’t waiting for another day to shake up their order. For Sunday’s series finale against the Detroit Tigers, with first pitch set for 1:40 p.m. ET / 10:40 a.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is getting a new spot in the lineup.
Guerrero is moving up from his usual three spot to bat second. Yohendrick Piñango will lead off, and Daulton Varsho is set to hit third.
The change comes with context.. Guerrero has said before that he prefers batting third. but Toronto and manager John Schneider are altering the plan because his recent production has slipped.. Guerrero has not recorded a hit in his last three games, and he has just one hit since May 9.. Dating back to late April, he’s 6-for-51.
After Saturday’s extra-innings win, Guerrero addressed the slump directly. He said, “not feeling right,” while also explaining his focus: “looking to hit one ball very hard.”
This isn’t a random adjustment, either. The Sunday game will be the first time Guerrero has batted second in the order since June 15, 2025.
Still, the broader numbers show he’s not coming in blind.. In 1. 075 plate appearances when batting second. Guerrero owns a .774 OPS. while his .898 OPS in 2. 412 plate appearances when hitting third is higher—an uncomfortable contradiction given the season’s recent dip.. So far this season, Guerrero is batting .280/.370/.360 with two home runs in 45 games.
The pattern in Toronto’s decision is clear: a hitter with a recent hit drought is moved away from his usual spot, and the move is framed against both his expressed preference for No. 3 and his historical production at No. 2.
For Sunday, the Blue Jays will be leaning on that hope as they try to close the series strong against Detroit.
Blue Jays Tigers Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Yohendrick Piñango Daulton Varsho John Schneider MLB