The Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homers in his first spring at-bat

By: Gregor Chisholm - Baseball Columnist, Toronto Star Posted: 8:15 PM CDT Saturday, Mar. 19, 2022 Last Modified: 8:19 PM CDT Saturday, Mar. 19, 2022

Advertise with us

CLEARWATER, Fla.—An abbreviated spring training might not have much of an effect on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Based on how he looked Saturday afternoon, last year’s runner-up for the American League’s most valuable player award is more than ready for opening day.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/03/2022 (1662 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Guerrero appeared to be in mid-season form during the Blue Jays’ 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. In the first inning, he crushed an offering from right-hander Aaron Nola and sent it soaring over the Tiki Bar well beyond the left-field wall at BayCare Ballpark.

According to Statcast, the solo shot travelled an estimated 426 feet. The moon shot was similar to ones he has been hitting during live batting practice against teammates throughout the week. The latest just happened to occur during his first official Grapefruit League game of the season.

Mark Taylor - THE CANADIAN PRESS
Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says he’s trying “to get something out” of every spring at-bat. He managed to get about 426 feet out of this swing in the first inning Saturday. — Mark Taylor - THE CANADIAN PRESS Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says he’s trying “to get something out” of every spring at-bat. He managed to get about 426 feet out of this swing in the first inning Saturday.

Of course, one swing doesn’t make for an entire spring, so Guerrero was quick to shoot down any talk about being ready quite this early. He still has a few things he’d like to work on before the start of the year.

“I don’t feel 100 per cent right now,” Guerrero said through an interpreter. “I’m feeling good at the plate, but I’m not where I want to be. I’m just trying to take every at-bat and try to get something out of it to be ready for the regular season. I’m working on my timing. Sometimes I don’t recognize very well the fastball, the curveball yet, but that’s what spring training is for. I’ll be ready.”

Guerrero wasn’t the only Jays player to hit a jaw-dropping homer Saturday. Highly touted infield prospect Orelvis Martinez had one as well. Martinez, who was recently named the Jays’ No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 38 in all of baseball, has been one of the positive storylines early in camp.

There has been a lot of hype surrounding the 20-year-old and Guerrero is buying all of it. He compared the Jays youngster to former big-leaguer Hanley Ramirez, and Martinez’s mechanics at the plate reminded him of someone else.

“I think we have a similar swing,” Guerrero said. “The thing I really like is that he always comes to talk to us, asking for advice, how we get prepared for the game. He’s really good.”

Romano good to go

Jordan Romano doesn’t appear to have any lingering effects from off-season knee surgery. He tossed a scoreless fourth inning against the Phillies while consistently hitting 95-96 m.p.h. on the radar gun, numbers that should tick up a little bit more as opening day approaches.

Romano was dealing with a left knee problem throughout the second half of last season but didn’t know the reason until an MRI at the end of the year revealed a torn meniscus. He should be ready to go for the start of the season and will once again assume the Jays’ closing responsibilities.

“It felt good,” said Romano, who posted a 2.14 ERA with 23 saves last season. “Honestly, I just wanted to be in the box. All my pitches, throw strikes. The first one I think is important just to get into a good groove and build from that.”

All’s good with Gausman

A few eyebrows were raised Saturday afternoon when right-hander Kevin Gausman didn’t take the mound against the Phillies, as originally anticipated. Turns out it wasn’t an injury, just a miscommunication and scheduling error by manager Charlie Montoyo. According to the club, the pitching schedule always called for Gausman to toss a bullpen session on Sunday, not pitch in a game the day before against Philadelphia.

It was an honest mistake by the manager, and an understandable one because Gausman is all but certain to follow ace José Berríos during the regular season. Left-hander Anthony Kay is slated to start Sunday’s spring home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates while Hyun-Jin Ryu continues to get ready behind the scenes. Alek Manoah will start Monday, and he will be followed by the recently signed Yusei Kikuchi on Tuesday.