The Toronto Blue Jays lost the heart of their lineup during the fifth inning of Monday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the top of the frame, being replaced by Ty France in the three hole and at first base.
The Blue Jays later announced that Guerrero was lifted with left hamstring tightness and is expected to undergo an MRI. Further evaluation is scheduled for Tuesday.
The injury occurred when Guerrero made an impressive stretch in the third inning, doing the splits on a Bo Bichette throw to save a run and record the final out.
The broadcast showed Guerrero motioning to the back of his left leg while talking to the dugout.
Guerrero came back out in the bottom of the fourth and recorded two more putouts.
The 26-year-old was 0-for-2 against Pirates ace Paul Skenes with an RBI through his first two at-bats of the game.
After those two trips to the plate, Guerrero is sporting a .298/.396/.498 slash line on the season with 21 home runs and 69 RBIs.
Guerrero has been rounding into top form at the perfect time for the first-place Blue Jays. He entered play Monday with a 1.118 OPS and six homers through 15 games in August.
