Overview
- Guerrero told reporters Saturday that he is respectfully turning down his All‑Star starter spot to rest a recurring lower‑back issue and focus on the Blue Jays' second half.
- He was voted the American League's starting first baseman largely on fan ballots despite a marked offensive decline this season, including a sub‑.700 OPS and just four home runs.
- Blue Jays manager John Schneider publicly praised the decision as a sign of maturity and said the team supports Guerrero prioritizing long‑term readiness.
- Guerrero withdrew from the All‑Star Game but remained in Toronto's lineup for the series finale against the Seattle Mariners, returning to first base that day.
- Toronto sits below .500 and about three games back of a Wild Card spot, so the rest raises the chance Guerrero can rebound in the second half while renewing debate over fan voting versus current performance.