Why Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Isn't Going to the All-Star Game Despite Being Voted a Starter
The six-time All-Star said he must take care of his back and put Toronto first as he prepares for the second half.
- Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. declined his selection as an American League starter for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game on Saturday, citing the need to prioritize his health.
- Guerrero has played through lingering lower back issues for nearly a month while appearing in 84 of Toronto's first 89 games this season, prompting the cautious approach.
- After earning ALCS MVP honors last year, the 27-year-old has struggled this season, hitting.265 with 13 doubles and 35 RBI in 309 at-bats, marking a career-low.692 OPS.
- Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz will replace Guerrero as the American League starter, while fellow Toronto Blue Jays Dylan Cease and Louis Varland were also named to the All-Star team.
- "I really have to take care of myself, and I've got to put my team first for the second half," Guerrero said, signaling focus on recovery before the season's stretch run.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Blue Jays Make Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Decision After he Pulls Out of All-Star Game
The Toronto Blue Jays made a change to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ahead of the series finale against the Seattle Mariners.Toronto is set to close out its three-game series on Sunday, as the finale also serves as the rubber match. On Saturday, Guerrero was announced as the starting first baseman, but he opted to decline the […] The post Blue Jays Make Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Decision After he Pulls Out of All-Star Game appeared first on HEAVY.
A’s Nick Kurtz to start All-Star Game in place of ailing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz will start the All-Star Game at first base for the American League, replacing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays. Guerrero had been voted in as a starter by fans but is opting to let his ailing back hea...
The Toronto Star
Blue Jays’ Cease, Varland and Guerrero join Clement as American League all-star selections
Guerrero, who was voted the starting first baseman for the fifth straight year, says he will decline the honour and rest during the all-star break.
Blue Jays' Guerrero Jr. turns down all-star invite to rest, prepare for 2nd half of season
SEATTLE — The power of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s brand and the Toronto Blue Jays’ reach is such that even amid his frustratingly mystifying down season, fans still voted him as the American League’s starting first baseman for the All-Star Game. Guerrero will not go to Philadelphia for his sixth Midsummer Classic, saying Saturday that he needs to […]
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