Vladimir Guerrero Jr. declines All-Star Game invite to rest lower back
The Blue Jays star, voted as the AL's starting first baseman, withdrew to recover for the second half of the season after playing through back tightness.
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will skip the All-Star Game despite being voted as the American League's starting first baseman, choosing instead to use the break to recover from lower back issues that have plagued him for about a month.
The Blue Jays star said the decision came after discussions with his family and veteran teammates. "As you guys know, I've been having a little bit of issues with my lower back. That comes first, for me to get ready, to prepare myself for my team to have a strong second half," he said through interpreter Hector Lebron.
Guerrero beat New York Yankees counterpart Ben Rice decisively in fan voting, earning 58 per cent of the ballots to Rice's 42 per cent—a striking margin given their contrasting seasons. Guerrero is batting .265 with just four homers and 35 RBIs through 84 games, while Rice is enjoying a breakout year at .267 with 24 homers and 56 RBIs.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised the withdrawal as a sign of maturity. "He's the face of our franchise and he understands how important he is to us and what we're trying to accomplish," Schneider said. "Taking a little bit of a physical blow will be good for him and hopefully he puts his best foot forward for us after the break."
Ernie Clement, Dylan Cease, and Louis Varland will now represent Toronto at the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia.
