Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Leaves Rangers Game With Back Tightness

Early exit in Texas

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was forced to leave Sunday afternoon's series finale against the Texas Rangers in Arlington. The team pulled him from the contest because of left lower back tightness.

Guerrero made his departure before the bottom of the fourth inning. Prior to leaving the matchup, he had a single in the first inning and hit a comebacker to Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom in the third inning.

Shuffling the infield

With Guerrero out of the lineup, the Blue Jays had to move several players around the field. Myles Straw entered the game in left field, which allowed Josh Smith to shift from left field over to third base.

Kazuma Okamoto then moved from third base over to first base to take Guerrero's spot. Okamoto played only one inning at first base before shifting back to third. That happened in the fifth inning after Charles McAdoo pinch hit for Smith and stayed in the game to take over at first base.

Guerrero's season numbers

The injury concern comes as Guerrero continues his season with Toronto. Through 141 games this year, the first baseman is hitting .263. He has also tallied nine home runs and 56 RBIs.

What it means for the next game

Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles (MLB, Mon, 21 Sep): Baltimore Orioles win 47%, Toronto Blue Jays win 53%; projected score Baltimore Orioles 4, Toronto Blue Jays 4. Our safest pick: Orioles +2.5.

Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles (MLB, Tue, 22 Sep): Baltimore Orioles win 47%, Toronto Blue Jays win 53%; projected score Baltimore Orioles 4, Toronto Blue Jays 4. Our safest pick: Orioles +2.5.