During training camp in MLB, most teams take the opportunity to give their starters a few rehearsals to help them get back into the swing of things. Without overworking them, you still have to give them a chance to break the rust before starting the season.
That said, there is still a certain amount of risk that comes with it, that of seeing these important players get injured. In exhibition games, it’s really not ideal to lose players who could help during the season.
Talk to the Dodgers, for example, who lost Gavin Lux for the entire season this training camp.
And today, the Jays witnessed a somewhat disturbing scene, when during the match of the day, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was forced out of the game due to right knee pain.
Vladdy was injured early in the game as he struggled to get to second base after hitting a base hit to the outfield.
It’s hard to get footage of the exact moment he was injured, but here’s the footage in question:
Guerrero Jr. left the match with a therapist, and so far there are no signs of injury very severe. We can be a bit worried, but it is still very early to panic.
That said, the fact that Vladdy was unable to complete the game is a bad sign for his potential participation in the World Baseball Classic. The plan is currently to see him leave for Miami with the Dominican team at the end of the week, but his injury could thwart the plans.
It’s a shame for Vladdy, who had a very good start to spring camp, but the Jays did well to remove him from the game, even if it was only as a very big precaution.
There’s no point in continuing to play him if he feels any pain.
In short, we will follow the state of health of Guerrero Jr. in the next few hours, but I have the impression that his injury of the day will ensure that we will not see him at the World Classic. It would be a shame, but his availability this season for the Jays has to be the priority.
