TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 13: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays rounds the bases as he scores his 45th home run of the season, in the sixth inning of their MLB game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit two home runs off of Gerrit Cole, including one after suffering a bloody finger injury. Vlad Jr. is incredible.
The Blue Jays were the darling of every pundit’s MLB preseason picks, as Toronto’s been a popular World Series selection thus far out of the AL East. The Jays just barely missed the playoffs last season, but made key acquisitions this offseason in Kevin Gausman and Matt Chapman.
Before we look too far ahead, however, the Jays still have to get past the likes of the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays. Against New York ace Gerrit Cole on Wednesday night, things are going according to plan.
Blue Jays star and popular AL MVP pick Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit two home runs in the early innings off Cole, including one after he was spiked in the hand by Aaron Hicks.
Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. defies finger injury
Let’s walk through the process.
First Vlad Jr. home run:
Gruesome finger injury suffered on Aaron Hicks spike.
Second home run off Cole:
Cole’s tough start to the season continued against the Jays, including his first inning struggles. The Yankees ace had an ERA over five in the first frame last season, despite his near-Cy Young campaign.
Hicks’ spike was completely unintentional, but left Vladdy’s finger bloodied. For him to continue playing and hit a home run off one of the best pitchers in baseball shortly thereafter is downright remarkable.