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The future of Major League Baseball might be arriving tonight.
After raking for three-plus seasons in the minor leagues, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is set to make his big league debut with the Toronto Blue Jays against the Oakland Athletics north of the border on Friday.
The son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, Vlad Jr. tore through the minors with a .331 average and .945 OPS. Last year alone, he slashed. 381/.437/.636 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs in 95 games across four levels of minor-league ball at the age of 19.
Now 20, Guerrero Jr. (6-1, 200 pounds) is ready for the big leagues.
“For pure bat, Vlad Jr. is the best prospect in the minors,” ESPN’s Keith Law said prior to the call-up. “If you could put an 80 on any prospect’s hit tool, it would be his, and he has plus-plus power to go with it. ”
Starting at third base and likely hitting in the heart of Toronto’s batting order, Guerrero’s first licks will come against right-hander Mike Fiers, who is 2-2 with an 8.28 ERA in six starts this season. It’s a soft landing spot for the youngster as Fiers has given up two home runs in each of his last two outings.
Given how much Fiers digs giving up the long ball, don’t be shocked if Guerrero Jr. goes yard in his debut.
Welcome home. #LetsGoBlueJays pic.twitter.com/67RqdaEW9v
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 25, 2019
In order to let their fans get an early glimpse at their rising star, the Blue Jays are opening gates at tonight’s earlier than usual so ticket holders can watch Guerrero Jr. take batting practice.
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