Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Suffers Knee Injury on Saturday

On Saturday afternoon in Toronto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should have kept on raking. Instead, he got injured and left the game early with a knee injury.

UPDATE: 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from today's game due to left knee discomfort.

He is currently undergoing further evaluation.

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 17, 2019

This play happened before he left the game … pic.twitter.com/M0igWzzJUq

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) August 17, 2019

This gave me that collective ‘oh shit’ feeling in which I pretty much know in my heart that somehow, his season is over. Ironically – I think it raises an issue that Toronto should look into – Guerrero Jr. permanently moving off third base. While he’s explosive at the hot corner, it’s not like the bulk of his value will ever be provided by playing the position. Less risk for injury playing first base and doing some designated hitter duties.

Therefore, let’s look at this story comprehensively.

The Blue Jays Recently Talked About Vlad Jr. Moving off Third Base

Doesn't sound like Vlad Guerrero Jr. will be changing positions any time soon.

🎙️Ross Atkins🎙️#BlueJays | #LetsGoBlueJays pic.twitter.com/RgIC5ZyTUF

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 15, 2019

It’s ironic that just a day ago, Toronto general manager Ross Atkins said that Guerrero wouldn’t be moved and that he would be an above-average defender over at third base. Of course, something like this comes into the storyline just a day later.

The Outlook

It sounds like the outlook *could* be worse, but still doesn’t seem great. Beat writer Laura Armstrong said that Guerrero is walking around without ice or anything. Still, Guerrero has an MRI pending that will tell the full story.

Saw Vlad Jr. outside the #BlueJays clubhouse post-game, walking without a limp or ice/bandage on his left knee. This is not an MRI and I am not a doctor, just an observation. https://t.co/4NZs89tAFZ

— Laura Armstrong (@lauraarmy) August 17, 2019

Finally, as Shi Davidi states; look for the Blue Jays to play it safe with Guerrero. They have already given him an excessive amoutn of days off, perhaps the knee was bothering him before and we didn’t know it.

“I know he dealt with something similar last year and it took a while. Hopefully it’s not the same injury.” On the tweak in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s left knee and an anxious wait for the #BlueJays as heads off for an MRI: https://t.co/VX5t298q4N

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) August 17, 2019

It’s been a pleasure watching this guy rake at different points this season – and although at times frustrating – he’s proved to be everything they say he would be. He’s one of the best young talents that I have seen in a long time enter the game, and that’s saying something. It’s a shame if this is how his season ends. Prayers that Guerrero can get healthy and climb into the box a few more times in 2019 before the calendar turns to a new year.