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.
There was no immediate announcement as to why Guerrero was lifted, but the broadcast showed him speaking with Blue Jays trainer Jose Ministral and manager John Schneider in the dugout before coming out of the game.
Guerrero made an impressive stretch earlier in the game, teaming up with Bo Bichette to save a run and record the final out of the third inning. Guerrero came back out in the bottom of the fourth, recording two more putouts, but there was no sign of discomfort from the Blue Jays star.
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.
