Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Cleared for Saturday Return After Passing Concussion Tests

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is expected to return from the seven-day injured list Saturday after passing his final concussion tests following a collision at third base.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. passed his final concussion tests and is expected to return to the Toronto Blue Jays lineup on Saturday. The six-time All-Star first baseman returns from the seven-day injured list after sustaining a head injury during a 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees last Friday. In the sixth inning of that contest, Guerrero collided with rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. at third base, where Lombard’s knee and thigh struck Guerrero’s head. Despite his helmet being dislodged during the slide, Guerrero managed to score the tying run before being removed from the game.

Prior to the injury, Guerrero was batting .263 with seven home runs and 46 RBIs through the 2026 season. His recent form included a .310 average (7-for-29) over his last seven appearances. To prepare for his activation, the slugger participated in a minor league rehabilitation game for Single-A Dunedin on Thursday, where he recorded a double. By Friday, he had rejoined the major league club in New York to take swings in the batting cage. Manager John Schneider noted that the infielder felt "pretty normal" even before traveling to Clearwater for his rehab assignment.

Roster Transactions and Injury Updates

While Guerrero nears his return, the Blue Jays placed newly acquired infielder Josh Smith on the 10-day injured list. Smith is suffering from left hamstring inflammation, an injury sustained during Wednesday’s 7-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Although he completed that game, the infielder—who was acquired from the Texas Rangers at the August 3 trade deadline—will now sidelined. Smith has posted a .250 batting average across 14 games since joining Toronto.

In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays activated right-handed pitcher Spencer Arrighetti from the injured list. Arrighetti had been sidelined due to an irritated right foot. The right-hander arrived in Toronto via a deadline trade with the Houston Astros in exchange for outfielder Daulton Varsho. The team plans to utilize Arrighetti as a bulk reliever, following opener Mason Fluharty in the pitching rotation.

Triple-A Buffalo Roster Moves

Toronto also recalled outfielder Davis Schneider from Triple-A Buffalo. Schneider joins the major league roster hitting .142 with three home runs and 12 RBIs through 61 games at the MLB level this year. During his 37-game stint with the Buffalo Bisons, he maintained a .219 average, contributing six home runs and 21 RBIs.

To make room for these additions, the Blue Jays optioned left-handed reliever Brendan Cellucci to Triple-A. Cellucci did not see game action during his most recent stint with the big league club after being recalled this past Wednesday. These adjustments come as Toronto opens a three-game series against the Yankees at New York. John Schneider confirmed the team’s medical staff is satisfied with Guerrero's progress, clearing the way for the slugger to anchor the offense again following his week-long absence.