Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returns, but the Blue Jays fall to the Red Sox 5-3 on June 27. Get the full recap of the Fenway Park opener and what Vladdy's return means.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was the sight every Blue Jays fan was waiting for: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stepping back into the batter's box, slotted third in the lineup. His return from a forearm issue was a massive boost, but unfortunately, it wasn't the magic bullet Toronto needed on Friday night, as they fell 5-3 to the rival Boston Red Sox at a hostile Fenway Park.
The Blue Jays' bullpen has been a major factor in Toronto's recent success, ranking second in MLB in relief ERA over the past 30 days.
The series opener was a tight affair for most of the night, but a late rally by the Red Sox proved to be the difference-maker. The Jays' starter delivered a solid outing but couldn't completely silence the Boston bats, and the offense just couldn't string together the big hits needed to answer back. Dropping the first game of a crucial divisional series always stings, and with a 43-38 record, every game against an AL East opponent feels magnified.
The biggest silver lining of the night was undoubtedly the return of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After being sidelined with a forearm scare, seeing him back at first base and hitting in the three-hole was a huge relief. While he couldn't single-handedly carry the offense, his presence lengthens the lineup and gives opposing pitchers a major threat to worry about. His health will be paramount as the Jays push through the summer. In a related lineup note, outfielder Alan Roden was given the night off, likely a matchup-based decision to ease Vladdy back into the fold.
Even in a loss, it's worth noting the continued dominance of Toronto's relief corps. Over the last month, they've been the second-best bullpen in all of baseball by ERA. This is even more impressive considering key arms like Yimi García and Nick Sandlin are on the injured list. While closer Jeff Hoffman has hit a rough patch, the bridge to the ninth inning has been virtually automatic. This bullpen depth is the team's biggest strength and will be critical in winning close games down the stretch.
One loss doesn't define a series, especially at Fenway. The Jays will look to bounce back tomorrow, hopefully with a healthier and more productive lineup anchored by Guerrero Jr. The key will be getting the bats going early to support their starters and hand a lead to that elite bullpen. This weekend is a major test in the AL East gauntlet, and Toronto needs to answer the bell.
