Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won't attend this year's All-Star Game despite being announced as a starter Saturday.
"It's very difficult for me. But I really have to take care of myself and I've got to put my team first for the second half," Guerrero said, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.
Guerrero has dealt with recurring tightness since tweaking his back during a sixth-inning plate appearance against the Chicago Cubs on June 19, forcing him to leave that game early. In 49 plate appearances since then, the Blue Jays first baseman is slashing .222/.265/.244 with just one extra-base hit.
The 27-year-old has mustered just four homers this season, none of which have come in Toronto. He's also posting a career-worst .699 OPS halfway through the season, compared to a mark of a .818 before last year's All-Star break.
