After a few days on the sidelines, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is returning to the diamond.
The Toronto Blue Jays slugger will make his return to the lineup Friday for Game 1 of their weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals (Sportsnet, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT), the team announced before the showdown.
Guerrero will bat second and take his usual spot at first base.
He missed part of the series against the Washington Nationals earlier in the week with hamstring tightness. He exited Tuesday's game against the Nationals after appearing to suffer the injury while running the bases in the third inning of an 8-6 loss.
The 27-year-old has struggled mightily to return to form this year after an incredible post-season that culminated in him winning ALCS MVP. He entered Tuesday's game slashing .264/.344./.365 with just six home runs over 102 games, and has yet to hit a home run at Rogers Centre.
Also returning to the lineup is Jesus Sanchez, who has been sidelined since June 26 with a right ankle sprain.
Acquired by the Blue Jays in an off-season trade with the Houston Astros, the 28-year-old has slashed .274/.316/.437 with seven homers in 73 games this year.
Sanchez will bat seventh and take his spot in left field.
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