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Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sent for concussion testing after taking knee to head
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Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Thomas Hall
Aug 14, 2026, 23:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 14, 2026, 23:14 EDT
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A bizarre sixth-inning run-scoring play has forced Vladimir Guerrero Jr. into Major League Baseball’s concussion protocol.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ first baseman departed Friday’s 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees following a scary collision in the bottom of the sixth inning. Guerrero slid awkwardly into third base as an errant throw came across the diamond, and with shortstop George Lombard Jr. covering the bag on the busted play, the rookie’s knee collided with the six-time All-Star’s head.
Guerrero was awarded home on the obstruction ruling, allowing him to gather himself and score the tying run. But he was visibly shaken up and replaced by Charles McAdoo to begin the top of the seventh.
After the game, manager John Schneider revealed that Guerrero will undergo full concussion testing, adding that he is also dealing with a headache. They’ll treat this day-by-day while awaiting his results.
“He got hit pretty good with the knee there from Lombard in the head. So they’re checking him out,” Schneider said. “You always got to be a little bit careful and see how he wakes up tomorrow and kind of go from there.”
If Guerrero isn’t cleared to play Saturday, the Blue Jays will likely turn to McAdoo or Kazuma Okamoto to fill in at first base against the Yankees. An alternative to those two could involve starting utility player Josh Smith, who’s made just one start at first this season.
We’ve already seen Guerrero miss a career-high nine games thus far, a figure now in jeopardy of climbing even higher. It’s been a frustrating year in that regard, considering how much the 27-year-old prides himself on being available as close to the full 162 games as possible.
Given how much momentum his team has been riding lately, the last thing they can afford is yet another IL stint.
Other injury-related updates from Schneider on Friday:
  • Anthony Santander (shoulder surgery) has been hitting off a tee at the club’s player development complex in Dunedin, Fla., and is “making progress.”
  • Yimi García (thoracic outlet syndrome) is still working through his recovery options, which include season-ending surgery.
  • Jake Bloss (right teres major) remains shut down from throwing as the team continues to assess his next steps.
  • Luis Urías (quad strain) has begun a hitting progression in Toronto, participating in light hitting drills and range-of-mobility work. He’ll travel with the team on the upcoming trip to Tampa Bay and will head to the PDC.
  • Jonatan Clase (plantar fasciitis) has been hitting and throwing while recovering at the PDC and is in the early stages of a running progression.

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