Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was scratched from the Blue Jays’ starting lineup against the Mets with back tightness after originally being slotted at third and first base. The lineup was reshaped late, with Sean Keys moving to first, Ernie Clement shifting to third,
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. didn’t just change positions on the depth chart Tuesday—he disappeared from the starting lineup at the last possible moment.
Guerrero was scratched with back tightness after originally being slotted into the three-hole and at first base. With the late change. rookie Sean Keys slid from third to first base. Ernie Clement moved from second to third. and Luis Urías entered the lineup to play second. Alejandro Kirk moved up in the order to bat third.
The Blue Jays acknowledged the situation plainly: “Obviously he’s been working a lot. I think that plays into how he’s feeling.” In the same breath. manager John Schneider said the team doesn’t see a need to force the issue. “he’s where (they) want him to be and he’s really close (at the plate). so (he) didn’t want to set him back. … All signs point to positive after today and hopefully good tomorrow.”.
This isn’t the first time back tightness has interrupted Guerrero’s season. He has already missed time earlier this year, sitting out a pair of games on June 13 and 14 against the New York Yankees.
Now, the concern is bigger because of how demanding this year has been for him. Through 81 games, Guerrero is slashing .268/.347/.348 with four home runs and 34 RBIs—numbers that already tell the story of a season that has been anything but smooth.
Monday’s outing against the Mets offered a small reminder of what he can still provide when he’s in the lineup. In the Blue Jays’ win, Guerrero went 1-for-4 with a single in the eighth inning.
Even as the lineup shifted to cover the immediate need. the timing of Tuesday’s news also landed against a larger backdrop for Guerrero in the broader baseball conversation. Earlier Tuesday. MLB released its first update on Phase 2 of fan voting for the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia. where the finalists will face off for a starting spot in the Midsummer Classic. Guerrero was leading Yankees first baseman Ben Rice 55 per cent to 45 per cent in the voting at first base.
Six other Blue Jays were finalists at their respective positions, but Guerrero was the only one to be leading as of the latest update.
For now, the immediate focus remains straightforward: the back tightness, the late lineup reshuffle, and the Blue Jays’ hope that “hopefully good tomorrow” becomes the headline rather than another setback.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Blue Jays Mets Sean Keys Ernie Clement Luis Urías Alejandro Kirk back tightness MLB All-Star Game 2026 fan voting Phase 2 Ben Rice Philadelphia