Guerrero Jr. left out of the World Classic

The worst-case scenario for the Dominican Republic ahead of the 2023 World Baseball Classic has occurred with respect to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After leaving Friday’s game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays due to knee discomfort, Nelson Cruz, manager of the Dominican team that will attend the tournament has confirmed the starter’s departure from the roster.

“Unfortunately this came up yesterday (Friday) with Vladi in his right knee and he won’t be able to be with us. No one is more sorry than him for not taking the field with his country in the Classic. These things happen, they are part of the game. We hope he recovers, God willing, and has a great year with his team in Toronto,” said Nelson Cruz through a statement.

The departure of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the Dominican team is an extremely sensitive loss for the World Baseball Classic, not only because they are losing one of the best young hitters on the team and in the Major Leagues, but also because first base is a position where the national team lacks depth.

According to the same press release published by the Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOM), the team’s manager is already working on finding a replacement for the starter. The announcement of who will fill the position will come in the next few hours, according to Nelson Cruz.

In the event that a player with experience at first base is not included, Cruz has indicated in the past that veteran Robinson Canó is available to play there, although he has only played in 14 games at that position during his Major League career. Cruz himself, who will serve as manager-player-manager, has been spotted in recent days practicing at first base with the San Diego Padres, and has one game of experience he played in 2021 with the Rays, so he could be another in-house option.