Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on Friday took a blow more common in a UFC octagon than on an MLB diamond.
The Toronto Blue Jays star got hurt in the bottom of the 6th inning while trying to take advantage of some shoddy New York Yankees defense at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. With runners on first and second and one out, Blue Jays batter George Springer Jr. hit a dribbler down the left-field line to infielder Ryan McMahon, resulting in an easy out at third base.
The Yankees third baseman tried to double up Springer at first base but threw too low for Luis Garcia Jr. to pick it cleanly. Guerrero saw that as an opportunity to go from first to third.
Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. was too late in trying to get back to the third base bag and ended up hitting Guerrero with a flying left knee as the beefy baserunner slid into third base safely.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left the game vs. the Yankees after a collision at third base. pic.twitter.com/14YJVZetIS
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 15, 2026
The ball zipped past Lombard, allowing Guerrero to score and tie the game at 1-1. But he was clearly hurt after the sequence and was taken out of the game.
John Schneider said after a knee to the head, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is experiencing a bit of a headache and is undergoing testing for a concussion.
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) August 15, 2026
Speaking to reporters after the game, Blue Jays skipper John Schneider called the move “precautionary” and added that Guerrero will undergo further testing to check for a possible concussion.
The Blue Jays didn’t let Guerrero’s efforts go to waste. Alejandro Kirk hit a go-ahead RBI double one pitch later to help Toronto secure a 3-1 win.
