Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made a comeback in the Major League Baseball Grapefruit League game in Dunedin, Fla. on Wednesday and can say mission accomplished.
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After the right-hander had to forego participation in the World Classic with the Dominican Republic due to an infection in his right knee on March 3, the right-hander scored one of three shots against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Blue Jays took the opportunity to win 7-1.
“I like what I’ve seen so far. I believe each of us has one goal and that is to win every game. Especially this week while I was away I had time to see everyone and see them play. I noticed that we have a good team. I can’t wait to win games here,” he said through an interpreter, according to Major League Baseball’s website.
Guerrero Jr. met starter JT Brubaker in the third inning and contributed a double to a two-run push that pushed Whit Merrifield home after two outs.
On his first round of batting, he hit the trails with a poor throw from third baseman Rodolfo Castro. In the fifth, Guerrero Jr. kicked a flyball into right field before being replaced on defense by John Aiello early in the sixth.
The knee is fine
Since training camp began, the 23-year-old has hit a .308 homer for two homers and six RBIs. His knee appears to have recovered well and he is even considering representing the Dominican Republic at the World Classic. However, he will need the blessing of coach John Schneider, who could remain cautious.
“I’m going to take it one day at a time,” Guerrero Jr. said. It will depend on how I’m feeling. I’m fine at the moment. I don’t know how I’ll feel tomorrow, so I can’t answer it right now.”
Kevin Gausman was impressive for the Jays on the mound, allowing just two hits and two walks in three and a third inning. He also withdrew seven strikers to record his first win on the preseason calendar.
On offense, Merrifield and Phil Clarke each drove in two runs while LJ Talley homed.