"Eloy and I have been friends a long time since knowing each other in the Dominican," Guerrero said as the Blue Jays visited the White Sox for the start of a series Thursday. "I even texted him when he signed that new contract this spring. As far as him being a hitter, you should already know he is a great hitter. I am just like him -- I am enjoying every moment, every at-bat, every game and all the places I go.
"I am just like Eloy. I am enjoying every at-bat, every moment and every game."
The difference between the two as it pertained to this season was that the 22-year-old outfielder Jimenez signed a six-year, $43-million deal with two club options in March, which allowed him to make the big league roster out of spring training. Guerrero, a 20-year-old third baseman, made his big league debut on April 26, having been held down for service time reasons, as the delay ensured the Blue Jays an extra year of control on the back end of his contract.
Jimenez and Guerrero have both gone through some early struggles. Jimenez is hitting .241 with a .674 OPS and has been sidelined with an ankle sprain since late April. He has embarked on a minor league rehab stint and is expected back with the White Sox next week.
Guerrero is hitting .222 (12-of-54) with a .693 OPS in 15 games. He called the pinpoint location of pitchers as the biggest challenge in the big leagues as compared to the minors. He hit his first two homers in the big leagues Tuesday.
"I was just working on a few little things with my swing," Guerrero said. "Right now, everything is clicking. I feel pretty good now."
Everyone around baseball knows it's just a matter of time between the two both break out.
"When I came up with the Yankees, Andy Pettitte saw me struggle in a start," veteran White Sox right-hander Ivan Nova said. "I was 22 like these guys coming up. He said, 'You got here because you are very good. Just trust yourself and have fun.' That is what I say to Eloy and Vlad. You have the support of the veterans, so go out and let your talent show and have fun."