Blue Jays’ Guerrero Jr. returns to lineup against Yankees following head injury

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has returned to the lineup for the upcoming game against the New York Yankees after recovering from a head injury sustained in a collision with Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. during a game last week. Guerrero was sidelined for seven days following the incident, which occurred during a bizarre play at third base on June 8th.

The six-time All-Star was struck on the head by Lombard's knee and thigh as he slid at third base. Despite the injury causing Guerrero's helmet to come loose, he remained at the plate and scored the tying run before leaving the game. Guerrero returned to the team on Friday and completed his concussion protocol, taking batting practice at the minor league level on Thursday.

He was placed second in the batting order for Saturday's game, Toronto's series opener against New York, following a series of minor league rehabilitation games. Prior to the collision, Guerrero had been hitting .310 with seven home runs and 46 RBIs in his last seven games.