Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leaves game against the Yankees with apparent injury

On Tuesday night, in the midst of the controversial, heated battle between the rivals Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees, Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. apparently tweaked something in his leg while catching a weak pop up on a missed bunt by Yankees’ second baseman Gleyber Torres in the top of the 8th inning.

He didn’t look too comfortable afterwards but stayed in the game for the rest of the inning. Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge then promptly followed it up with a go-ahead two run homer to put the Yankees in front 5-3.

Guerrero was eventually removed from the game for precautionary reasons in the top of the 9th inning as Brandon Belt, who had pinch hit in the bottom of the 8th inning, replaced Guerrero at first base. The Yankees would go on to defeat the Jays 6-3 to take the first two games of the series so far.

After the game, Jays’ manager John Schneider indicated than Guerrero experienced right knee discomfort and will undergo an MRI exam and be further evaluated on Wednesday.

This is unfortunate news and a growing concern for both Guerrero and the Jays, as he had also been recently held out of a couple games last week due to a sore left wrist, marking his second minor (hopefully) injury in just less than two weeks. He is currently hitting .312 with an OPS of .901, to go along with 25 runs scored, seven home runs and 26 RBI.

In addition, the upcoming games are crucial for the Jays, as they will be facing divisional opponents for another nine games straight, and may have to go ahead in the battle with or without their star first baseman, pending the outcome of the MRI. Nevertheless, the Jays should take extra precaution with Guerrero to ensure he is at full health before rejoining the team again to avoid potentially any future recurrence of injuries.