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Toronto Blue Jays: More injury woes for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

By Paul Taylor

MIAMI, FL - JULY 09: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays and the World Team slides past Zack Collins #8 of the Chicago White Sox and the U.S. Team to score in the seventh inning on a single by Tomas Nido #7 of the New York Mets and the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 09: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays and the World Team slides past Zack Collins #8 of the Chicago White Sox and the U.S. Team to score in the seventh inning on a single by Tomas Nido #7 of the New York Mets and the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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For the second time in less than a week, Toronto Blue Jays prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was forced to leave a game through injury, but is there any cause for concern?

The Toronto Blue Jays are having no luck at the moment, as evidenced by their record in the AL standings. And this lack of good fortune has extended to other areas of the organisation.

Case in point is a leg injury sustained by top-rated prospect, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The injury happened during the fourth inning of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats’ game on Wednesday night.

As reported by Sportsnet, Guerrero slid into second base and immediately signaled to the medical staff. He was then quickly removed from the Double-A game, against the Akron RubberDucks.

Understandably, there was concern from everyone connected to the Blue Jays’ organisation. However, the initial prognosis is the 19-year-old will only miss a game or two of action.

Fisher Cats manager John Schneider released a statement to reassure everyone the team was just being vigilant. As reported by Chris Bumbaca of MiLB.com, Scheider said:

"“He feels fine, we’re just being cautious with it. Just to make sure whenever he’s back to be full strength…He checks out fine, but with him and all of our players, we’re just being careful and making sure he’s good to go.”"

In theory, this should put any concerns to rest. However, it is tough to avoid the fact this is Guerrero’s second injury in a matter of days.

The Montreal, Quebec native was also forced to leave last Saturday’s game. He suffered an injury during the final inning, when he stepped awkwardly on first base after beating out an infield single.

At the time, it was predicted Guerrero would likely only miss a couple of games. However, we wondered if the Fisher Cats should take their time bringing him back.

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Now, after another injury in less than a week, it may well be time for Schneider and company to take this more cautious approach. The third baseman is too valuable to rush back into the lineup, no matter how much he is needed.

One thing you can at least be sure of, is the Blue Jays will not feel pressured to promote Guerrero to the Majors anytime soon. While their campaign continues to trend in the wrong direction, the prospect will first see action in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons.

Before then though, the Canadian-born Dominican professional needs to just get back onto the field. At that point, he will continue to lead the Fisher Cats’ charge in the Eastern League, which currently sees them at the top of the standings.

Guerrero has been a revelation in Double-A this season. He leads the league in a number of categories, including hits, RBIs, batting average and OPS.

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What would you do at this point with Guerrero? Are you concerned and taking a more cautious approach with the Blue Jays’ prospect, or getting him back to action ASAP? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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