The Blue Jays enjoyed a dramatic 7-6 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in a preseason game at TD Ballpark on Friday, but lost star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the process.
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The son of the Montreal Expos legend was forced out of the game early in the third inning because he felt “discomfort in his right knee,” according to the Jays’ Twitter account.
That could jeopardize the plans of Guerrero, who was set to represent the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic, as early as Tuesday in Miami.
Before giving way to Rainer Nunez at first base, the Blue Jays sensation had time to send Bo Bichette to the plate, in the first inning, by hitting a single.
It was Nunez who played the heroes in the ninth round. He propelled Manuel Beltre and Cam Eden to the plate with a hit to center field, ending the duel.
Manager John Schneider employed no less than 10 gunners during the game. Brandon Eisert added the victory to his record by muzzling the Florida team in the ninth period.
Montrealer Otto Lopez, who has excelled since the start of the Grapefruit League with the Blue Jays, was not in uniform for the duel of the day.
Fellow Minnesota Twins Édouard Julien was also left out in his team’s 9-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox.