Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will miss a second straight game, sitting out Tuesday against the Miami Marlins after suffering a right elbow contusion when he was hit by a pitch on Sunday. The Blue Jays have labeled the injury day-to-day, and Guerrero was still in uniform Monday during Toronto’s series-opening loss to Miami. Lenyn Sosa is set to start at first base and hit ninth in Guerrero’s place.
Guerrero was struck on the inside of his right elbow by a 92.1 m.p.h. sinker from Mitch Keller and immediately left the game, heading to the clubhouse after passing manager John Schneider and the team’s training staff. The Blue Jays later said X-rays were negative for a fracture and confirmed the injury as a right elbow contusion. The team has continued to monitor Guerrero’s condition, with Schneider saying Tuesday that the slugger hit in batting practice and is feeling “a little better,” but remains “still pretty sore extending.” Schneider added that the club will see how Guerrero feels as the day goes on.
The injury comes during another strong season for Guerrero, who is hitting .287 with a .386 on-base percentage and a .372 slugging percentage, along with three home runs and 22 RBIs. His absence leaves a notable hole in the Blue Jays’ lineup as they try to recover in the series against Miami.
Toronto is also keeping Nathan Lukes out of the starting lineup, though he remains available off the bench, according to Schneider. Lukes’ status is being managed separately from the pitch that forced him to remove his helmet on Monday. The Blue Jays are being cautious with Lukes after he recently returned from the injured list following a hamstring strain, and the team does not want to overextend him.
The Blue Jays and Marlins are scheduled to play at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with coverage on Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet+. The lineup adjustments underscore Toronto’s need to manage injuries carefully while waiting for Guerrero to recover and rejoin the team’s starting order.
