Blue Jays Announce Vladimir Guerrero Jr. News After Leaving Rangers Game

The Toronto Blue Jays entered Sunday’s series finale against the Texas Rangers looking to keep their season alive. After dropping the first two games of the series, hopes are beginning to fade for Toronto, still sitting multiple games out of the final AL wild card spot with a week remaining in the regular season.

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First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s struggles this year have been a big reason why the Blue Jays’ season has been a disappointment.

Across 141 appearances, the 27-year-old has posted a .263 batting average, .336 on-base percentage and .695 OPS, all of which would be career lows if the season ended today. His power has evaporated with just nine home runs and 56 RBIs on the year.

During Sunday’s game against Texas, Guerrero got off to a good start with a single in his first at-bat. However, shortly after his next plate appearance he was removed in the bottom of the fourth inning. Myles Straw entered the game in his place with Kazuma Okamoto taking over at first base.

Given the stakes of the game and the season on the line, it was clear the removal was injury-related.

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Shortly after, the Blue Jays announced an update on his condition. “UPDATE: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from today’s game with left lower back tightness,” the team wrote on X.

UPDATE: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from today’s game with left lower back tightness.

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 20, 2026

Guerrero has dealt with recurring back issues throughout the season that have caused him to miss some time, which may partially explain why he has been a non-factor at the plate this year.

The issue had not resurfaced for over a month before Sunday. Manager John Schneider will likely provide further updates after the game.

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This story was originally published September 20, 2026 at 4:11 PM.