Vladimir Guerrero Jr. declines All-Star Game invite to address lower back issues

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays will not attend the All-Star Game in Philadelphia, declining his sixth invitation despite being elected as the American League's starting first baseman by fan voting.

Guerrero said Saturday he needs the upcoming break to recover from lower back issues he's managed for about a month and prepare for the second half of the season. "Before I take a decision like this, I always talk to my family, some of the veteran guys here," he said through interpreter Hector Lebron. "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."

The power hitter was voted in by a substantial margin—58 per cent to 42 per cent—over New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice in the second phase of balloting. Yet Guerrero's performance this season has been notably down. He's batting .265/.346/.346 with four homers and 35 RBIs through 84 games, and missed five games due to his back. By contrast, Rice is having a breakout year at .267/.362/.564 with 24 homers and 56 RBIs.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider called Guerrero's decision "a sign of growing up." "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. "It shows maturity. 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."

Guerrero's withdrawal means Ernie Clement, previously named to the squad as the AL's top vote-getter, will represent the Blue Jays alongside first-time selections Dylan Cease and Louis Varland, both chosen via the player ballot.