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Zach Pressnell is a Newsweek contributor based in Columbus, Ohio. His focus is MLB content. He has an extensive knowledge of professional baseball and all things that come with it after working closely with the sport for years. Zach has been with Newsweek since November 2024 and previously worked at FanSided and OnSI. He is a graduate of Bethany College (WV). You can get in touch with Zach by emailing [email protected].

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During Thursday's game between the Cleveland Guardians and Toronto Blue Jays, superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was drilled in the arm with a 96 mile per hour fastball from Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 24: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs out a single during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on June 24, 2025 in Cleveland,... Jason Miller/Getty Images

Guerrero was visibly upset after being drilled, but it was likely more adrenaline and pain than anything. There's almost nothing to indicate Bibee had any reason to throw at him intentionally.

After trying to stay in the game, Guerrero would end up leaving due to this hit by pitch.

Following initial imaging and X-rays, the superstar was diagnosed with a forearm contusion, indicating the X-rays came back negative.

This kind of incident will leave Blue Jays fans holding their breath. Guerrero inked a massive $500 million contract in the offseason. Since signing that contract, the slugger has helped place the Blue Jays firmly in the mix of the American League Wild Card race while having an outside shot to steal the division from the New York Yankees.

If he's forced to miss any extended time, the Blue Jays could slowly begin to slip out of the postseason race. At the end of the day, he's their best player, and it's impossible to replace a $500 million slugger like him.

The Blue Jays pitcher, Kevin Gausman, would go on to drill Guardians star Jose Ramirez in the next inning of the game. Ramirez would also be forced to exit the contest following the hit by pitch.

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