Toronto Blue Jays: Domino effect of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s position change

2) Less playing time for Rowdy Tellez in the field

Through seven games of this truncated season, it appears that Guerrero Jr. will also be spending considerable time as the designated hitter in the Blue Jays’ lineup. Thus, both him and slugger Rowdy Tellez have been engaged in a ring around the rosie of sorts, swapping between playing first and DHing through this initial handful of games.

Having come up through the minors playing the position, Tellez is undoubtedly the better glove at first. Guerrero Jr., however, swings (or at least is supposed to be swinging) the better bat.

When Guerrero Jr. is the designated hitter, and the infield from right to left reads Tellez, Cavan Biggio, Bichette, Drury, the Blue Jays have their optimal defensive lineup. When you mix in playing Guerrero Jr. at first, Tellez’s glove, which only has four career errors to its name, is removed from the equation.

It is worth saying that Guerrero Jr. could blossom into a fine defensive first baseman and cover this flaw. However, for now, the Blue Jays’ defence could suffer as he learns his new position.