No Vladdy in Today’s Lineup as Jays Offense Looks to Stay Hot at Home……………
TORONTO, July 4, 2025 — Ahead of today’s opener against the Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that star slugger Vladimir “Vladdy” Guerrero Jr. will sit out the starting lineup, a precautionary move amid minor foot soreness. While his absence naturally garners attention, Toronto’s deep and dynamic offense figures to stay red-hot at home.
Vladdy’s rest: minor contingency, major impact
The decision to rest Guerrero Jr. stems from a foul ball off his foot late Thursday in the season-ending game against the New York Yankees. Manager John Schneider confirmed Vladdy experienced soreness but emphasized this is precautionary, not indicative of a serious injury. He will remain available as a pinch-hitter if the situation calls for it .
CBSSports.com’s RotoWire notes, “nothing yet to suggest a new injury,” speculating that the break follows an 0-for-5 day with three strikeouts . Indeed, an Athlon Sports dispatch underscored that Guerrero is “just a little sore and could be available to pinch-hit” .
For now, it looks like a one-day bench decision—something explicitly different from the forearm issues that sidelined him earlier in the season, which never escalated beyond day-to-day monitoring .
Shake-up: Bichette slots in, Wagner fills first base
With Guerrero out, Bo Bichette slides into the third spot in the lineup, returning after a brief stint on the bench due to minor knee discomfort . This reinstatement restores the heart of Toronto’s offense, reuniting the potent 1–2–3 infield of Andrés Giménez, George Springer, and Bichette.
Meanwhile, backup infielder Will Wagner assumes the starting role at first base and drops into the eight-hole, a move anticipated since Friday morning . Wagner has offered solid depth this season, batting .265 with dependable defense, and is well-suited for the role in “Vladdy’s” absence .
A lineup that thrives at Rogers
Toronto’s bats have been on fire during their home stand. In a historic sweep of the Yankees, they tallied eight or more runs in three of the four games, marking the franchise’s first-ever four-game home sweep over New York . A key player in that run burst was Guerrero himself, who earlier ripped a scorching 115.7 mph go-ahead single in Game 1, but even during his more recent slumps, his teammates stepped up . With Vladdy resting, that lineup versatility gets tested—and so far, it’s deeper than expected.
Matchup edge versus Angels
The Jays handed the ball to left-hander Eric Lauer (4–1, 2.60 ERA) for today’s contest against Angels righty Kyle Hendricks (5–6, 4.66 ERA) . This cross-handed matchup—lefty vs. righty—bolsters Toronto’s chances offensively, even without its star slugger. Chicago’s offensive strategy is oriented for production, and with competitors like Bichette, Springer, Giménez, and Addison Barger in the mix, they’re confident they can keep the heat on.
Depth and resilience: the Jays’ identity
Toronto’s roster depth has been increasingly crucial, partly driven by recent injuries. Anthony Santander was just placed on the 60-day injured list and remains roughly a week from swinging in live action . Despite these hiccups, players like Bichette and Wagner have seamlessly stepped in, sustaining overall offensive output. That adaptability will serve as the storyline for today’s series opener.
Playoff implications: staying atop the AL East
The Blue Jays currently sit atop the American League East, riding the momentum of their home dominance . The team’s management has adopted a dual strategy: ensuring Guerrero Jr.’s health is preserved while leveraging roster depth to keep the offense humming. If the offense continues to thrive—even without its marquee bat—it sends a powerful message about Toronto’s postseason readiness.
Looking ahead: sustaining the hot stretch
Today’s absence of Vladdy offers a valuable test. Will the offense—anchored by Giménez, Springer, Bichette, Barger, and emerging role players—maintain its high-octane performance? Early signs indicate yes. Plus, mechnical rest days for Guerrero could pay dividends down the stretch, avoiding fatigue or aggravation.
Bottom line
Vladdy sits: minor foot soreness prompts benching; available to pinch-hit.
Depth steps up: Bichette returns to the three-hole; Wagner gets first base start.
Home hot streak: historic four-game sweep of the Yankees; ongoing eight-plus run outbursts.
Optimized matchup: Lauer takes the ball vs. Hendricks; offense likely to exploit.
Roster resilience: players absorbing injuries and maintaining productivity.
Postseason posture: Toronto remains atop AL East; the lineup’s breadth is key to staying there.
With Guerrero Jr. off the field but still lurking for key later-inning moments, the Blue Jays are banking on their depth and momentum to keep their offensive flame ablaze. If today’s tilt is any indication, hot bats and thoughtful rest days can coexist—serving both current glory and future goals. Expect fireworks on the Rogers Centre turf once again, regardless of who’s in the batter’s box.
Let me know if you’d like a player-trend breakdown, bullpen preview, or even a forecast of how today’s result could impact Toronto’s playoff odds.