The Toronto Blue Jays have been plagued by injuries this season, and that unfortunate trend struck the team's superstar on Sunday afternoon. During the bottom of the fifth inning of a game against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was hit on the inside of his right elbow by a pitch.
The first baseman immediately left the game, walking directly past the team's manager, John Schneider, and the trainer, and headed straight for the locker room. The severity of Guerrero's injury was not immediately clear, but the fact that the player removed himself from the game cannot be viewed as a positive.
Cease also exits
His injury came shortly after starting pitcher Dylan Cease left the game after 4.2 innings with an undisclosed injury. Cease struck out eight batters, allowing four hits and walking one through 76 pitches before he signalled to the dugout for assistance. There was some speculation on the television broadcast that Cease might have been dealing with cramping, though that was not confirmed.
The Blue Jays starting pitching staff has already been in tatters due to injuries, including veteran Max Scherzer, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Cody Ponce. Position players who are dealing with injuries include outfielders Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes, along with catcher Alejandro Kirk.
Team heating up
The latest setbacks come as the Jays have heated up as of late. The team entered Sunday's contest having won four straight games. Following the three-game series against the Pirates, Toronto is welcoming the Miami Marlins to town for a three-game set beginning on Monday night at Rogers Centre.
The Blue Jays will be hoping that the injuries to Guerrero and Cease are not serious, as they look to continue their winning ways.
