The Toronto Blue Jays are shaking things up on Tuesday night, and for the first time this season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won't be in the starting lineup. But don't worry, Blue Jays fans—this isn't an injury scare or a trade rumor. It's a planned day off, pure and simple.
According to reports from The Athletic's Mitch Bannon, the decision was made ahead of time to give Vladdy a breather. While he's been hitting a solid .331 this season, his power numbers have been notably quiet. With a slugging percentage of just .431 and only two home runs among his 43 hits, Guerrero's bat hasn't quite found its usual explosive rhythm. He's also gone just 3-for-17 in his last few games, making this a strategic chance to reset and recharge.
The good news? There's no injury here. Guerrero could still enter Tuesday's game as a pinch hitter, and if not, he'll be back in the lineup Wednesday, ready to heat up along with the summer weather. For a player of his caliber, sometimes a night off is exactly what the doctor ordered to rediscover that power stroke.
In the meantime, the Blue Jays will have to navigate without their star first baseman, but with the season still young, this move is all about keeping him fresh for the long haul. Keep an eye on Vladdy—he's due for a breakout any day now.
