"Sick of his disappearing act” – Frustrated Blue Jays fans rip Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after another big-game letdown, echo manager’s harsh critique

After a four-hit night on Wednesday, the Toronto Blue Jays were shut out in a 4-0 loss against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. Their loss, coupled with other results in the American League, meant their magic number to clinch a playoff spot remained at three games.

The frustration of the final two games seemed to boil over in the seventh inning during Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s at-bat. On a 1-0 pitch, he argued a strike call by Laz Diaz that grazed the bottom-left corner of the strike zone.

Two pitches later, he struck out swinging on a 78 mph sweeper by Rays reliever Kevin Kelly. Guerrero, signed to a 14-year, $500 million contract at the start of the season, slammed his bat in anger as he walked back to the dugout.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider was frustrated with Guerrero's approach.

“I think he kind of just gave that at-bat away against Kelly," Schneider said. "Vlad is one swing away. He’s one swing away basically all the time ... We let things snowball here a little bit the last two days."

Keegan Matheson

@KeeganMatheson

John Schneider on Vladdy's at-bat in the 7th and the #BlueJays' offence: “I think he kind of just gave that at-bat away against Kelly. Vlad is one swing away. He’s one swing away basically all the time ... We let things snowball here a little bit the last two days."

Blue Jays fans echoed a similar sentiment, criticizing Guerrero for his apparent impatience and failures in crucial situations.

"In big games, Vladdy chokes. We know this from past playoff games. So why expect any different now?" a fan questioned.

Gary Barone

@gbarone2

@KeeganMatheson in big games, Vladdy chokes. We know this from past playoff games. So why expect any different now?

"Vlad has earned a seat on the bench for a game imo. Almost an automatic out right now," a fan said.

Rob Cooper 🇨🇦🏒⚾🥍🥌🎧 ☘️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍻

@Brlmkr0224

@KeeganMatheson Vlad has earned a seat on the bench for a game imo. Almost an automatic out right now.

"Too many excuses for a 500 million dollar man," another tweeted.

Jacob from New Mexico Dbacks and Blue Jays!!

@ort_jacob235

@KeeganMatheson Too many excuses for a 500 million dollar man

"Vladdy needs to be accepting coaching feedback and adapt because he's clearly not adjusting against a league which has to him," one opined.

Dan Kirkby

@DanKirkby1978

@KeeganMatheson Vladdy needs to be accepting coaching feedback and adapt because he's clearly not adjusting against a league which has to him

"Vladdy completely no-showed this series. I’m so sick and tired of his disappearing act," a fan complained.

G-Freezy82

@GregoryFriesen1

@KeeganMatheson Vladdy completely no-showed this series. I’m so sick and tired of his disappearing act 🤬

"So he will quit when the count isn't in his favour. Is that supposed to be our takeaway from this comment?" another questioned.

Paddy Scott

@paddy_scott

@KeeganMatheson So he will quit when the count isn't in his favour. Is that supposed to be our takeaway from this comment?

It has been a tough five-game stretch for Guerrero, who has gone 3-for-20, with his last hit coming in the ninth inning of Thursday's game on an infield single. Before this lean stretch, he had gone 22-for-40 in September. However, he still has a high average of .391 and an OPS of .982 this month.

John Schneider 'not making excuses' for Blue Jays' offense, compliments Rays' pitching

The Blue Jays' two losses, where the offense was shut down, followed a six-game win streak. According to manager John Schneider, the Rays pitchers have had Toronto's number all season long.

“They pitched us tough, not just here the last couple days, but throughout the season series,” said Schneider. “They had good arms and tough to string some traffic together here. Not making excuses for the weather or the conditions or anything. They threw the ball well, didn't make many mistakes, and we didn't get much going the last two days.”

With the win, the Rays took a 7-3 regular-season series lead over the Blue Jays with three games left. This is one matchup that Toronto wouldn't be closely looking at, considering Tampa Bay cannot match its record and force a tiebreak. The Blue Jays hold the tiebreak advantage over the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.