This Blue Jays season has been unlike any other. They’re sitting comfortably atop the AL East with a 76-55 record and look set for the playoffs. At this stage, the priority is keeping their stars healthy, but fans got a scare when Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the face of the team, went down with a hamstring injury on August 18. Ever since, supporters have been eagerly waiting for his return.

Well, that moment finally came on Sunday, and with a little drama. In the eighth inning against the Marlins, with the Blue Jays trailing 5-3 and two runners on, Guerrero pinch-hit for Ty France. It was his first appearance since Monday, and the crowd held its breath. After battling through seven pitches against reliever Ronny Henriquez, Guerrero popped out to first base.

Yes, that’s not the storybook moment fans hoped for, but still a big sigh of relief. His presence back in the lineup is exactly what this Blue Jays team needs heading into the stretch run. And based on Guerrero’s pinch-hitting, what the Blue Jays manager said could surely bring a smile to the fans.

“Blue Jays played it safe by not asking Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to take the field after pinch-hitting today, but manager John Schneider indicated that Guerrero Jr. should be available vs. the Twins. Going forward, I’d expect him to be back in there,” MLB insider Ben Nicholson-Smith quoted the Blue Jays manager, John Schneider, as saying.

So, for those who might’ve missed it, Guerrero’s hamstring trouble started last Monday against the Pirates. In the third inning, he made a huge stretch, even doing the splits, to snag a throw from Bo Bichette, saving a run and ending the inning. The good news? The Blue Jays never had to put him on the IL. Instead, he’s been listed as day-to-day since then.

And now that he’s finally stepped back into the batter’s box, things are looking up. And with what Schneider hinted at, there’s a real chance we could see Guerrero back on the field as soon as the series opener against the Twins tomorrow.

Guerrero Jr is too good to lose for the Blue Jays

Remember back in April when the Blue Jays handed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that massive $500 million contract? At the time, plenty of people wondered if Toronto had overpaid, or if Guerrero might be limiting his shot at postseason glory by staying put. Fast forward to now, and the answers are starting to speak for themselves.

Guerrero Jr has been every bit the star the Jays hoped for. He’s hitting .298/.396/.498 on the season with 21 homers and 69 RBIs. And he came into Monday with a scorching 1.118 OPS in August. What’s more is that he slashed six homers in just 15 games this month. And beyond the numbers, he’s stepped up as a true leader in the Blue Jays clubhouse. Thus, bringing professionalism but also keeping that steady, day-by-day mindset that rubs off on his teammates.

That kind of presence matters even more with October on the horizon. With Toronto on track to finish atop the AL East, Guerrero’s resurgence and leadership could be exactly what carries them into a deep postseason run. Guess what, Guerrero is too costly to lose by the Blue Jays just when they are on the verge of rewriting history.