Toronto Blue Jays’ star 1B Vladimir Guerrero has respectfully declined to travel to Philadelphia to participate in his sixth Midsummer Classic. The Dominican player announced this during a media interview ahead of game 2 against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Saturday.
Guerrero Jr. explained that he makes important life decisions after consulting loved ones. He also noted that he has been dealing with a lower-back issue for some time and wants to take the time to recover fully, aiming to perform better in the second half of the season for the Blue Jays.
“Very grateful to everyone who voted for me.. but at this time, very respectfully I’m declining to go. Before I take a decision like this, I always talk to my family, some of the veteran guys here. 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. That was the main thing in my decision,” Guerrero Jr. said.
Fans were quick to share their candid take on Vladdy’s announcement, with many pointing out that the real reason for his decision was his underwhelming offensive stat line this season.
Guerrero defeated his New York Yankees rival Ben Rice, who had a breakout season with a .267/.362/564 line, including 24 homers and 56 RBIs, winning 58% to 42% in the second round of ballot votes to receive the All-Star invitation.
Who Replaces Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the Starter at 1B for the AL All-Stars?
Oakland A’s emerging talent Nick Kurtz has been named Guerrero’s replacement at first base for the AL All-Star team. Kurtz secured the starting spot by receiving the most votes among American League first basemen on the players’ ballot, narrowly missing out in the fan vote to the Dominican, who has now declined to play in the Midsummer Classic.
It will be the 23-year-old’s first All-Star appearance. He is having a standout season with the A’s, posting impressive offensive numbers in the first half of the season, including 20 home runs, 66 RBIs, and a .949 OPS in 87 games.
The Midsummer Classic is scheduled to be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA, on July 14.
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