Blue Jays Expect Guerrero Jr. Back in Lineup After Pinch-Hit Return

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returned to game action for the first time in nearly a week, delivering a pinch-hit appearance in the eighth inning of Sunday’s 5–3 loss to the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. The 26-year-old had been sidelined since aggravating his left hamstring on Monday in Pittsburgh. Manager John Schneider said the club limited Guerrero Jr. to hitting only, opting not to test the hamstring in the field, but indicated the three-time All-Star is on track to rejoin the starting lineup when the Blue Jays open a homestand against the Minnesota Twins on Monday. “Going forward, I’d expect him to be back in there,” Schneider told reporters. Toronto, now 76–55 and chasing an American League East title, failed to complete a sweep in Miami after Marlins right-hander Eury Pérez out-duelled Kevin Gausman. With Guerrero Jr.’s health trending upward, the club will look to regain momentum during the upcoming series before hosting the MLB-leading Milwaukee Brewers later in the week.