Guerrero added late to Jays' lineup day after being hit by pitch
Published
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was slated to sit the series opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, but the team added him to the lineup less than an hour before first pitch.
Guerrero was pulled early from the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday after he was hit by a pitch in the forearm.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters ahead of Friday's game that Guerrero is "sore, but he's alright," according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.
Matheson indicated that the injury is likely to be a day-to-day thing as Guerrero manages the pain, rather than an injury that will require a stint on the injury list.
Guerrero was drilled in the arm by Guardians starter Tanner Bibee in the third inning and forced to leave Thursday's 6-0 win early. X-rays were negative after the game and the Jays officially designated Guerrero's injury as a forearm contusion.
The 26-year-old has 11 homers and 40 RBI in 79 games so far this season with a .281/.387/.449 slash line.
Toronto enters play Friday at 43-37 on the season, good for third place in the American League East Division and three games out of first place.