Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Blue jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was injured in the team’s spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday afternoon.
It’s unclear if the injury is serious enough to cost Vladdy serious time. The only way it’ll have a major impact on the Blue Jays is if Guerrero Jr. were to miss Opening Day, or be forced for some prolonged period of time.
Guerrero hurt his leg heading into second base. The team described it as right knee discomfort.
Base-running isn’t exactly Vladdy’s strength, but it’s a necessity in any era of baseball. Guerrero Jr. was scheduled to leave for the World Baseball Classic this weekend. Any injury — or risk of making his knee worse — could impact his decision to play for the Dominican Republic so close to the start of the MLB regular season.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. injury: Will he play in WBC?
The Dominican Republic’s lineup is loaded, with or without Guerrero Jr. in it. As much as he wants to play, if this injury is deemed even a mild one, it makes the most sense for him to stay home and watch, rather than risk his time with the Blue Jays.
Guerrero Jr.’s injury is just the latest in a long string on spring training ailments. Gavin Lux was the worst of them all, as he’s out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. injury: Will he miss Blue Jays Opening Day?
It’s too early to tell if Guerrero Jr. will miss Opening Day, as the Blue Jays haven’t released more information as to his injury. Toronto has high expectations this season, especially after a big free agency and trading for former Diamondbacks outfielder Daulton Varsho.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the centerpiece of that team.