Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the power hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays, has been cleared to play after being on the seven-day injured list. He is set to join the team in their game against the New York Yankees on Saturday.
Guerrero sustained an injury during a game against the Yankees in Toronto last week when he collided with George Lombard Jr., the Yankees’ rookie shortstop, in a peculiar play at third base. The incident occurred in the sixth inning, as Guerrero slid at third base and Lombard’s knee and thigh made contact with his head, causing Guerrero’s helmet to come off. Despite the collision, Guerrero managed to score a run before leaving the game.
After passing his final concussion tests, Guerrero returned to the team on Friday. He participated in a minor league rehabilitation game for single-A Dunedin on Thursday, where he doubled and also took some swings in the batting cage. Following his reinstatement, Guerrero was placed second in the batting lineup for Saturday’s game against the Yankees.
In a corresponding roster move, the Blue Jays sent infielder/outfielder Davis Schneider to triple-A Buffalo after their 3-1 loss to the Yankees in the series opener on Friday. Guerrero, who has a batting average of .263 with seven home runs and 46 RBIs, was hitting .310 in his last seven games before the injury.
The Blue Jays will be looking to Guerrero to bolster their lineup as they continue their series against the Yankees.
