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Blue Jays' Vladdy Jr. Urges Himself to Spark Slumping Team
5 Aug
Summary
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. acknowledges he must improve his hitting performance.
- The Blue Jays are four games behind the Wild Card spot with 49 games left.
- Guerrero has hit only six home runs and has not homered at home this season.
The final months of the Blue Jays' season hold significant weight, especially following recent trades that saw key players depart. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a central figure for the 53-60 team, has acknowledged that his personal performance, particularly his hitting, is crucial for the team's playoff aspirations. He stated the obvious need for him to "start hitting" to help the team succeed.
As of August 5, 2026, the Blue Jays are four games behind the Wild Card position with 49 games left in the regular season. Guerrero Jr. expressed a commitment to competing for a playoff spot rather than focusing on future seasons, emphasizing that "something can happen" in the remaining games. He has struggled offensively this season, batting .261 with a .690 OPS, and has hit just six home runs, with none occurring at Rogers Centre.
The team's offense as a whole has been underperforming, ranking last in scoring and tied for 28th in home runs. Manager John Schneider is urging key players, including Guerrero Jr., to "drive the ball" and take risks to find momentum. While acknowledging the team cannot fix all its flaws before the offseason, Guerrero Jr.'s improved performance could significantly alter the team's current trajectory and the narrative surrounding their season.
