Guerrero exits, in concussion protocol after collision on chaotic play

TORONTO -- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from Friday night’s 3-1 win over the Yankees after colliding with Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. in a chaotic play at third base. Guerrero is now undergoing testing under concussion protocols.

Manager John Schneider described Guerrero as having “a bit of a headache” after the play, and it’s obvious why. This was clearly just an accident involving Lombard, but as he turned to chase the ball and tried to avoid Guerrero, his left knee collided directly with the left side of Guerrero’s face.

“Full concussion testing,” Schneider said, “and you’ve always got to be careful. We’ll see how he wakes up tomorrow.”

Schneider, who dealt with multiple concussions throughout his Minor League career as a catcher in the Blue Jays’ organization from 2002-07, has always exercised extreme caution with any head injuries involving his players. He has also spoken openly about how challenging they can be and how carefully they need to be managed.

Guerrero actually scored on the play, but it was immediately clear that he was dealing with some discomfort. Schneider and the Blue Jays’ trainer popped out of the dugout to walk back alongside Guerrero, who was soon removed from the game and replaced by rookie Charles McAdoo.

Guerrero started the play standing on first base, but after a throw across the diamond from Ryan McMahon skipped in front of Luis García Jr., who couldn’t make the scoop, Guerrero broke for third. The throw back across the diamond to third base caught the Yankees without a man on the bag, and as Lombard tried to get there for the throw, he and Guerrero collided awkwardly.

Even if Guerrero passes initial concussion protocols, it feels unlikely that he would be right back in the lineup Saturday afternoon when the Blue Jays play the Yankees at 3:07 p.m. ET. Instead of the traditional 10-day IL, teams actually have an option to place players on a 7-day concussion IL, so that potential window could be shorter if Guerrero is diagnosed with a head injury.

McAdoo would be a leading candidate to handle more reps if that’s the case, and Schneider has shown plenty of trust in the 24-year-old lately, even batting him leadoff. McAdoo has 18 home runs between Triple-A and the big leagues this season, and on a team still starved for power, there’s always a place for that.

Kazuma Okamoto could also slide across the diamond to play some first base in a pinch, and if a roster move is needed, Sean Keys feels like the next man up from Triple-A Buffalo. Keys launched a no-doubter Friday night in Triple-A, his 25th of the season between Double-A, Triple-A and the Majors.

Guerrero has been dealing with back issues throughout the 2026 season. He has also had some hamstring issues flare up, but never to the point where an IL stint has been considered.