Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (knee) pinch-hits after not starting

Field Level Media
22 Sep 2023, 12:05 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was held out of the starting lineup with a right knee injury for the second straight game on Thursday, but an MRI showed no structural damage, only inflammation, and the team said he's day-to-day.

Guerrero was called upon to pinch-hit in the ninth inning and drove in a run on a fielder's choice during the Blue Jays' 5-3 loss to the host New York Yankees on Thursday.

Guerrero was a late scratch from the Blue Jays' 6-1 win over New York on Wednesday.

"I was worried about it, but I found out the results and it was a little bit of relief," Guerrero said through an interpreter. "Of course I'm sad that I can't be in the lineup, try to do my best. I guess I got to take a rest or something but I'll be OK."

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said before Wednesday's game that Guerrero, 24, had been playing despite discomfort in his knee.

"It's very hard for me not being in the lineup but thank God we're in an OK position right now," said Guerrero, who is batting .264 with 24 home runs and 91 RBIs in 148 games this season. "We're holding on to a playoff spot. So I'd rather take care of this now and not risk myself losing the rest of the season or a playoff."

A three-time All-Star, Guerrero is trying to help the Blue Jays (85-68) reach the playoffs for the second straight year. Thursday's loss left Toronto a half-game ahead of the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers for the second American League wild-card spot.

--Field Level Media

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