Blue Jays Announce Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Injury Update After Scary HBP
During Thursday’s game between the Cleveland Guardians and Toronto Blue Jays, superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was drilled in the arm with a 96 mile per hour fastball from Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee. Guerrero was visibly upset after being drilled, but it was likely more adrenaline and pain than anything.
There’s almost nothing to indicate Bibee had any reason to throw at him intentionally. After trying to stay in the game, Guerrero would end up leaving due to this hit by pitch. Following initial imaging and X-rays, the superstar was diagnosed with a forearm contusion, indicating the X-rays came back negative. This kind of incident will leave Blue Jays fans holding their breath. Guerrero inked a massive $500 million contract in the offseason.
Since signing that contract, the slugger has helped place the Blue Jays firmly in the mix of the American League Wild Card race while having an outside shot to steal the division from the New York Yankees. If he’s forced to miss any extended time, the Blue Jays could slowly begin to slip out of the postseason race.
At the end of the day, he’s their best player, and it’s impossible to replace a $500 million slugger like him. The Blue Jays pitcher, Kevin Gausman, would go on to drill Guardians star Jose Ramirez in the next inning of the game. Ramirez would also be forced to exit the contest following the hit by pitch.
