Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Sends Message After Injury News
Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after being hit by a pitch on his right arm during Toronto's 4-1 loss at Rogers Centre.
The injury scare came in the fifth inning when Guerrero was hit on the inside of his right elbow by a 92.1 mph sinker from Pirates starter Mitch Keller. Guerrero immediately grabbed his arm and walked off the field toward the clubhouse as trainers followed behind him.
After the game, manager John Schneider provided an encouraging update, revealing that X-rays came back negative and Guerrero was diagnosed with a right elbow contusion. Schneider added that there's a possibilty Guerrero will play on Monday (via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com).
Guerrero later addressed reporters himself and explained why he immediately walked off the field.
"I just wanted to make sure I didn't have anything bad," Guerrero said. "My arm went numb and I lost feeling in my middle and pinky fingers. Thank God the X-rays were negative so everything is fine."
Guerrero also revealed he still could not fully move his elbow after the game.
"Right now, I can't fully move my elbow," he said. "But I'm going to take it day by day, see how it is tomorrow" (h/t Shi Davidi of SportsNet).
Guerrero was hit in a similar spot last June 26 in Cleveland and experienced a similar sensation. He had two hits the next day at Boston.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) May 24, 2026
Right now, he said he can't fully move his elbow "but I'm going to take it day by day, see how it is tomorrow."
The situation immediately brought back memories of June 26 last season against the Cleveland Guardians, when Guerrero was hit in a similar area and experienced the same numb sensation. He avoided a serious injury then and returned the next day on the road against the Boston Red Sox, recording two hits. Toronto will be hoping for a similar outcome this time.
Keeping Guerrero healthy is critical for the Blue Jays. Entering Sunday, the 27-year-old was batting 287 with 54 hits, three homers, 22 RBIs and 32 runs scored in 53 games.
The loss dropped Toronto to 25-28, though the club remains third in the AL East. Toronto now prepares to open a home series against the Miami Marlins on Monday.
Related: Blue Jays Announce Alejandro Kirk Injury Update Before Pirates Game
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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 10:36 AM.