Why the Toronto Blue Jays Should Not Rest Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

For the full episode of Pitch Clock, check out the video below. Subscribe to the Sports Interaction YouTube page for plenty of content.

And of course don’t forget to check out the American League, National League, Interleague odds, and MLB props for all your baseball action.

Time for Blue Jays to Rest Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?

Things have been delicate for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s health lately. At the time of Pitch Clock’s recording, the Toronto Blue Jays listed their star first baseman as day-to-day. There was also a reported issue with the player’s hand earlier in the season. David Bastl brings up a potential strategy the club could use in order to bolster the odds that Vladdy stays healthy down the stretch, namely, placing him on a 10-day IL.

What says former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons?

“You know what, Dave, I say no. It’s crunch time. If it’s an injury that hurts him to throw the baseball, maybe he becomes a DH (designated hitter). They’re (the Blue Jays) in that fragile spot right now, on the edge of a Wild Card. They need all hands and fingers on deck.”

To that point, the Blue Jays are currently just outside of a Wild Card spot, the Seattle Mariners having leapfrogged over them. “Gibby” lends perspective to what Toronto faces with Vladdy Jr. slightly banged up, but also what opposing clubs face, knowing the All-Star is still a formidable foe at the plate.

“Other teams still fear him when he comes to the plate. He can burn you and he’s still such a good hitter. Even if he’s not at his best, they still fear him.”