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Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s injury is the latest reminder that nothing has come easy for the Blue Jays

Why can’t the baseball gods just give Toronto a break for once.
Aug 14, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. runs into New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. (96) during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Aug 14, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. runs into New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. (96) during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Just when you thought things were starting to go the Toronto Blue Jays way with their recent surge, their year-long injury nemesis was at it again. At the current rate, it appears that no Blue Jays' player can escape the injury bug as their star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. landed on the 7-day IL with a concussion.

The injury occurred for Toronto during the first game of the weekend series against the New York Yankees on Friday. As fellow teammate George Springer grounded into a fielder’s choice, New York tried to nail Guerrero at third base. But a wild throw by Yankees first baseman Luis Garcia caused a collision between Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr., who was covering third base, and the Jays’ star first baseman.

Despite the impact to his head on the play. Guerrero was able to continue rounding third to score the tying run at the time. However, he would be removed from the game and was replaced by rookie Charles McAdoo in the seventh inning. After undergoing concussion protocol, it is now confirmed that Guerrero will be missing some games due to the head injury.

Guerrero spending some time off could be both good and bad news for the Blue Jays

For this to happen during the Blue Jays’ recent surge brings some clear frustration to Toronto fans once again, as the team seems to be hexed by the injury bug all season. After all, the Jays have won 12 of their past 17 games and have surprisingly climbed all the way back into the Wild Card playoff picture. So to miss their star slugger from the prime spot in their lineup for any significant amount of time isn’t the most ideal situation for Toronto as they hope to remain in contention.

Nevertheless, with Guerrero still enduring some ongoing struggles while nursing a right hamstring injury in recent weeks, spending a short stint on the IL can help the 27-year-old superstar to fully recover and reset entering the stretch run with the Blue Jays. On the season, he has registered just a .263 average, .693 OPS, along with just 61 runs scored, seven home runs and 46 RBIs in 115 games played with Toronto.

If the unexpected rest can enable Guerrero to rediscover the dominant form we saw towards the end of 2025, it could actually be a blessing in disguise for both himself and the Blue Jays going forward. Hopefully, we will see the revitalized slugger mashing baseballs once again upon his return with hopes of a speedy recovery.

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