Toronto Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr heading to AAA

Vladimir Guerrero Jr is a step closer to the majors, as the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly sending him to AAA.

The Toronto Blue Jays had a dilemma on their hands when it came to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He had annihilated minor league pitching in 2018, to the point where he was deserving a promotion to the majors. However, there were service time considerations to be had, and the idea of having an extra year of control over Guerrero.

Those concerns came to an end in Spring Training, when Guerrero strained his left oblique. He was shut down for three weeks, then headed to the Florida State League to start his rehab assignment. The next step has come, as Guerrero is heading to Buffalo.

Guerrero did not exactly light up the Florida State League in his four games with Dunedin. He had four hits in 17 plate appearances, hitting a double and striking out twice. Of course, his stint there was more a matter of getting back into game shape and starting to get his timing down.

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Chances are, Guerrero was going to end up starting the season in Buffalo regardless of any injury concerns. His performance in Spring Training, where he had a .211/.250/.316 batting line with two doubles in 20 plate appearances was not exactly forcing the Blue Jays’ hand. And, Toronto had concerns about Guerrero’s conditioning even prior to the injury.

Nonetheless, this is likely to be the last time that Guerrero is in in the minors. Brandon Drury has been abysmal thus far, posting a .163/.200/.233 batting line, with two walks and 19 strikeouts in 45 plate appearances.

Once Guerrero is deemed ready, Drury’s place in the lineup is likely gone. He could serve as a utility player, which is really his best usage. Guerrero may not be the best third baseman in the league defensively, but he has made strides over the past year, and needs to get that experience at the major league level.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is one step closer to joining the Toronto Blue Jays. His stint in AAA may not last that long.