New Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Injury Update Reveals Blue Jays Star's Return Timeline After Concussion

Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is on track to return Saturday from the concussion that has sidelined him since Aug. 14.

Guerrero passed his final concussion tests and is "feeling good today," Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters Friday (h/t MLB.com's Keegan Matheson and broadcaster Hazel Mae).

Schneider said Guerrero is expected to hit in cages Friday before returning to the lineup the following day, per Mae.

The second game of the Blue Jays' weekend series against the New York Yankees is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET Saturday in the Bronx.

Guerrero underwent concussion testing after his head took contact from the knee of Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. in a collision at third base on Aug. 14.

He was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list the following day, making Saturday the first day he will be eligible for return.

Guerrero took the first step toward a return by serving as DH for Single-A Dunedin Thursday night.

He went 1-for-1 with an RBI double and drew two walks before he was removed from the game in the fourth inning.

Guerrero has batted .263 with seven home runs through 115 games to mark his least productive campaign since 2020.

The Blue Jays have gone 3-2 since Guerrero's concussion as Alejandro Kirk took over Guerrero's usual spot in the three hole while rookie Charles McAdoo has been productive throughout the lineup.

"We're going to continue to be a team that's built around him, and however he fits in, he's going to understand," Schneider said about where Guerrero would slot back into the lineup in a Friday appearance on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. "It's not gonna hurt his feelings if he's hitting second or if he's hitting third. He gets it. He's watching how we're playing."

Whether the Blue Jays are able to build on their momentum while slotting Guerrero back into the lineup could be key to the club's playoff hopes. Toronto is heading into the weekend series against the Yankees half a game back of both the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers for the final Wild Card spot in the AL.