The Toronto Blue Jays activated first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the seven-day concussion injured list on Saturday ahead of their game against the host New York Yankees.
Guerrero, 27, collided with Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. during a play at third base on Aug. 14. Guerrero was removed from the game with concussion symptoms after hitting his head hard on Lombard’s left knee and thigh. He was placed on the IL last Saturday.
Guerrero, who has played through back and hamstring issues this season, has not played up to his usual standards this season. He is batting .263 with seven home runs, all on the road, and a .693 OPS over 115 games.
“He’s still one of our best players,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said, “and physically, he’s feeling normal. Hopefully he can be back to his normal version of himself. That’s all we’re looking for, nothing crazy. It would be great if he went on one of those crazy heaters like he did in the postseason, but it’s about hitting the ball hard, playing defense and being Vlad.”
Guerrero played one rehab game on Thursday for the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays, walking twice and hitting an RBI double. He has passed all testing required to clear concussion protocols.
In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays optioned infielder/outfielder Davis Schneider, 27, to Triple-A Buffalo.
