Toronto. Amidst an inconsistent offensive stretch, the Toronto Blue Jays decided to move important pieces in their lineup and opted for an unusual strategy: placing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the leadoff hitter.

Manager John Schneider confirmed the change before Tuesday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies, marking the first time since September 2024 that the Dominican star has led off a game.

The decision comes as Guerrero is going through one of his most discreet campaigns in recent years. After 65 games played, he has barely accumulated three home runs and an OPS of .740, numbers far from the usual production of Toronto’s main offensive reference.

“We simply want to shake things up a bit and see how it responds,” Schneider commented before the meeting.

The pilot also explained that the conversation with Guerrero was positive and recalled that for some time there had been the possibility of using him in the first spots of the offensive order, although the Dominican has traditionally felt more comfortable batting third.

However, the current situation has forced the Blue Jays to look for different formulas to wake up their main offensive figure.

Within the organization, they believe the new role could help Guerrero face different pitches, increase his offensive opportunities, and reduce some of the pressure he has carried throughout the season.

“It is no secret. We will go wherever Vlad takes us,” stated Schneider. “No one feels that responsibility more than he does.”

Toronto continues to make offensive adjustments in an attempt to stay in the playoff race, especially now that George Springer is also struggling at the plate.

The immediate challenge for Guerrero will be demanding, as he will have to face right-hander Zack Wheeler and subsequently the Venezuelan Jesús Luzardo during the series against Philadelphia.

Milwaukee secures the future of Venezuelan Luis Lara

On the other hand, the Milwaukee Brewers continue to bet big on their young core after agreeing to a contract extension with Venezuelan prospect Luis Lara, considered one of the organization’s top promises.

According to reports, the 21-year-old switch-hitting outfielder signed a seven-season contract with three additional club options. The deal would guarantee nearly 31 million dollars and could rise up to 78 million depending on bonuses and incentives.

Although he has not yet debuted in the Major Leagues, Lara has impressed this season in Triple-A Nashville, where he has recorded a .947 OPS and has shown a combination of power, speed, and offensive contact that has rapidly raised his projections.

The Venezuelan is currently ranked as Milwaukee’s number five prospect and one of the top 100 talents in all of baseball according to specialized evaluations.

With this move, the Brewers continue the trend of securing their young stars early, a strategy they previously applied with players like Jackson Chourio and Cooper Pratt.

Although the contract officially places Lara on the 40-man roster, Milwaukee made it clear that the outfielder will continue his development in the minor leagues before making the definitive jump to the Major Leagues.