Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk did not intentionally snub teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. during Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. Instead, a simple wardrobe malfunction—the sleeve of the team's home run jacket was inside out—caused the awkward moment, according to Sportsnet's Hazel Mae.
The incident occurred after Kirk hit a solo home run off Rangers pitcher Joe Ross in the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. As Kirk approached the dugout, Guerrero waited with the jacket, a tradition for Blue Jays home run hitters. However, Kirk gave a quick glance and walked past, heading down the steps for high-fives while Guerrero struggled with the sleeve.
Mae sets the record straight
Mae took to social media on Sunday morning to clarify the situation. “What happened was the sleeve on the HR jacket was inside out and Vladdy was trying to fix it,” she wrote. “Kirk was already by the dugout and didn’t want to stand there and wait. Really no drama here. Just a wardrobe malfunction.”
The explanation came after videos of the moment went viral, with many speculating that Kirk had rejected Guerrero. Jomboy Media posted a clip with the caption, “Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got rejected when trying to put the home run jacket on Alejandro Kirk.”
Some online commenters agreed with Mae. “Kirk obviously was going to put it on, and then Vladdy adjusted the sleeve, so Kirk kept going. Feels like this is not that hard to see, or understand,” one user posted.
Kirk ends homerless drought
The home run was Kirk's first since March, snapping a 13-game drought that included a stint on the injured list for a broken thumb. Despite the positive personal milestone, the Blue Jays lost 7-4 to the Rangers, extending their losing streak to five games—all at home.
Toronto now sits at 39-44, two games behind Texas (41-42) for the final American League wild card spot. The struggles have fueled negative narratives, with the jacket incident adding to fan frustration.
Series finale Sunday
The Blue Jays and Rangers conclude their series Sunday afternoon at Rogers Centre. Shane Bieber will start for Toronto against Kumar Rocker, with first pitch scheduled for 1:37 p.m.
