The Toronto Blue Jays have received some very encouraging news regarding Vladimir Guerrero Jr. just in time for their weekend showdown with the New York Yankees. Guerrero has cleared MLB concussion protocol.
The slugger is now taking the next step in his recovery, giving Toronto hope that its star will be back in the lineup at Yankee Stadium this weekend.
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Guerrero Cleared for Rehab GameMay 16, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) hits a home run in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesGuerrero will serve as the designated hitter for Dunedin Thursday night against Clearwater as part of his rehab assignment. The Blue Jays will evaluate how he responds after the game before determining the next step in his recovery.
This is a major development considering Guerrero was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list after suffering a head injury against the Yankees last Friday. He was involved in an awkward collision with Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. while sliding into third base, taking a knee to the head during the play.
Guerrero initially experienced a headache and was removed from the game as a precaution before ultimately being placed on the concussion IL.
Now, however, he’s cleared the necessary protocol and is back on a baseball field.
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Yankees Series Return Is PossibleToronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) hits a ball thrown by Minnesota Twins pitcher Luis Garcia (40) in the ninth inning at Target Field. Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn ImagesThe timing couldn’t be much better for Toronto.
The Blue Jays open a three-game series against the Yankees in the Bronx on Friday, and Guerrero could potentially return as soon as Saturday if everything goes well during his rehab progression.
That’s obviously significant for a Toronto team fighting for a playoff spot.
Guerrero has had an unusually difficult offensive season by his standards, entering Thursday batting .263 with seven home runs and 46 RBIs in 115 games. Still, there is no question how important his presence is to the Blue Jays lineup.
Toronto is currently in the American League playoff race, sitting just one game behind the Minnesota Twins for the third Wild Card spot.
Getting Guerrero back against the Yankees would provide a major boost, especially with the Blue Jays trying to make up ground in the final weeks of the regular season.
For now, Toronto will wait to see how Guerrero responds to Thursday’s rehab game. If everything goes according to plan, the Blue Jays could have their star back in the lineup Saturday in the Bronx.
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