Blue Jays' Options After Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Injury Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated May 24, 2026 5:08 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays had a rough day in their series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. Manager John Schneider's team lost 4-1, snapping Toronto's four-game winning streak.

However, the outcome of the game was not what worried Blue Jays fans, as two of the team's brightest stars, starting pitcher Dylan Cease and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., both left the contest early with injuries.

Cease exited in the top of the fifth inning due to left hamstring discomfort, and he will go for an MRI, according to MLB.com reporter Keegan Matheson. As for Guerrero, he was hit by a pitch on his right elbow in the bottom of the fifth. The team will reevaluate him on Monday after the initial X-ray was negative, per Matheson.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) gets hit by a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates.© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Schneider said after the game that it is "definitely a possibility" that Guerrero is in the lineup for Toronto on Tuesday when the Blue Jays begin a three-game series against the Miami Marlins, according to Matheson.

However, if the injury turns out to be more serious than initially thought, the Blue Jays will have to do some shuffling around with their infield to replace their star first baseman.

"If even a few games of cover are needed, Lenyn Sosa and Ernie Clement have each seen time at first base," Matheson said . "Kazuma Okamoto has made just one start there this season, but all of this infield shuffling is difficult with so little Major League depth in that group. Any rearrangement of the infield would then require Davis Schneider to play more second base, as well."

Looking at the short-term fallout, just in case the #BlueJays need to get through a few days without Vladdy… or a start without Cease: https://t.co/BEtEUJpgux
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) May 24, 2026

Matheson also brought up the fact that Toronto has two options from the minor leagues in Charles McAdoo and Josh Kasevich, who are the team's No. 26 and No. 13 prospects, respectively.

Guerrero's power numbers have been down this season, but he is still an intimidating factor in the middle of the Blue Jays' lineup. In 53 games, he has hit .287 with three homers and 22 RBIs.

While Schneider and the rest of the Blue Jays are hoping Guerrero will be back soon, Toronto definitely has some replacement options if necessary.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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