SURPRISE, AZ – NOVEMBER 03: AFL West All-Star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats during the Arizona Fall League All Star Game at Surprise Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Blue Jays third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was taken out of Friday’s live action prematurely after sustaining injury to left hand.
Toronto Blue Jays rookie third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left Friday’s game early after being hit by a 96 MPH fastball thrown by Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole. The injury occurred in the first inning and Guerrero continued to play in the game, but shortly after was removed in order to complete x-rays on his left hand.
Results of the x-rays came back negative, as the Blue Jays have listed him as day-to-day. It appears he will at least miss one day of action, as he’s not in the lineup for Saturday’s contest.
The Blue Jays are optimistic about his return, and don’t think there will be any stint on the injured list for Guerrero. Despite the injury not being anything serious, the Blue Jays are willing to make sure his hand is fully healthy before getting him back out on the field, as they currently sit with a record of 25-44 and aren’t currently contending for a playoff spot.
Entering Friday’s game, he was hitting .268 with seven home runs, 19 RBI, and 16 runs scored through his first 39 games. Guerrero scuffled the first month after his call up, but has since then turned the page and really started to find his groove.
Since the start of June, Guerrero has slashed a line of .325/.349/.475 to go along with one home run and seven RBI in 10 games. With his massive power and ability to barrel up baseball’s on a consistent basis, he’ll definitely be in the conversation for American League Rookie of the Year all season long.
Brandon Drury will serve as the Blue Jays third baseman in Guerrero’s absence.