The Toronto Blue Jays were defeated decisively by the Kansas City Royals, 13-2, to cap off their series. The game featured a notable midgame move involving Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was replaced at first base by Brandon Valenzuela after Guerrero grounded out in the bottom of the seventh.
Manager John Schneider explained after the game that the substitution was a precautionary measure to give Guerrero a break and keep him off his feet. “Just try to get him off his feet, really. There wasn’t much we had today. Wanted to stay from Gimi (Andres Gimenez) and Bate (Brett Bateman)… eight runs in the eighth inning, just trying to get him off his feet,” Schneider said.
Guerrero Jr. finished the day 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout, contributing to what has been a frustrating season for the slugger. The Blue Jays drop to 65-70 on the year following the loss.
Key takeaway: a heavy output from the Royals and an abbreviated day at the plate for Toronto as they move further from a postseason position.
