Blue Jays Make Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Decision Before Tigers Game
The Toronto Blue Jays continue searching for offensive production during a frustrating start to the 2026 MLB season. The Blue Jays enter Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers with a 20-25 record and third in the American League East.
With Toronto only one game out of a Wild Card spot in a wide-open American League, manager John Schneider appears willing to experiment with the lineup in an effort to spark the offense. 25-year-old superstar first basemanVladimir Guerrero Jr. has had a disappointing 2026 season and a brutal month, as the five-time All-Star and 2025 ALCS MVP is batting just .118 with a .338 OPS during the month of May.
The Blue Jays released their lineup ahead of Sunday's game with a notable change involving Guerrero Jr. For the first time this season, Guerrero Jr. was moved into the No. 2 spot in Toronto's batting order after primarily hitting in the middle of the lineup throughout the year.
According to Blue Jays reporter Mitch Bannon, both Guerrero Jr. and Schneider acknowledged that batting second is not Guerrero Jr.'s preferred spot in the order.
"Vladimir Guerrero Jr., for the first time this year, is hitting 2nd for the #BlueJays.Both he and Schneider acknowledge that's not where Vladdy likes to hit. But, clearly, they're trying anything right now to get him going," Bannon shared on X.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., for the first time this year, is hitting 2nd for the #BlueJays.
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) May 17, 2026
Both he and Schneider acknowledge that's not where Vladdy likes to hit. But, clearly, they're trying anything right now to get him going.
Toronto's decision to move Guerrero Jr. into a new spot immediately appeared to pay off on Sunday, as the superstar slugger launched a home run in his first at-bat after the lineup adjustment.
As the Blue Jays continue searching for offensive production, Guerrero Jr.'s early success in the No. 2 spot could create an interesting decision for Schneider moving forward. The Blue Jays look to win the series in Detroit on Sunday.
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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 1:26 PM.