Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stays in the Toronto Blue Jays' starting lineup after manager John Schneider said on June 30, 2024 he will not bench the first‑baseman despite a season‑long slump. The decision comes after Guerrero went 0‑4 in a 3‑2 loss to the Texas Rangers, extending the club’s six‑game losing streak.
What did Schneider say?
Schneider told reporters, relayed by Hazel Mae, that there is “no plan to bench him.” He added that a player sometimes needs a break—physical or mental—but the team “needs Vlad if we want to be good.” The manager’s comments came after the Jays were swept at home by Texas, marking their sixth straight defeat.
Why is Guerrero’s slump alarming?
Through 84 games, Guerrero is batting .268 with a .697 OPS, far below his career standards. He has hit just four home runs all season and none at Rogers Centre, a park usually friendly to power hitters. Even Albert Pujols, a Hall of Fame legend, weighed in on Guerrero’s swing, noting mechanical issues that may be contributing to the decline.
How does the bench decision affect the Jays?
Guerrero’s $40.2 million salary this year reflects a 14‑year, $500 million contract that was earned on five seasons of elite production. Keeping him in the top three of the order signals Schneider’s confidence that the slugger can rebound without a demotion. Critics argue that the lack of a bench move could cost the Jays a playoff spot if the slump continues.
What are the broader team struggles?
Schneider blamed the Jays’ early‑game offensive drought for many of their losses, saying “when you’re down 5, 6 runs early, it makes it tough for the bats.” The club sits at 39‑45, a sharp drop from the 94‑win pace that carried them to the World Series last season. Fans on social media have been vocal, demanding a lineup shake‑up, but the manager remains loyal to his players.
What’s next for Guerrero?
The next game will test whether Guerrero can break his slump without a bench stint. If he finds his swing, the Jays could regain momentum; if not, the pressure on Schneider to make a change will only grow. For now, the focus stays on the slugger’s ability to deliver the power the contract promises.
How will this impact the playoff race?
Toronto’s position in the AL East remains precarious. A win in the upcoming series could narrow the gap, but continued offensive struggles risk pushing the Jays further from a postseason berth. Schneider’s decision to keep Guerrero in the lineup underscores a gamble: trust in the star’s talent versus the need for immediate results.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains a central figure in Toronto’s fortunes, and his performance in the coming weeks will likely determine whether Schneider’s loyalty pays off or costs the team a playoff spot.