Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a six-time All-Star, was forced to exit the Toronto Blue Jays’ matchup with the New York Yankees on Friday evening following a collision with Yankees’ rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. at third base. The incident occurred in the sixth inning with Guerrero positioned at first base and Nathan Lukes at second, while the Blue Jays were trailing 1-0. A ground ball hit by George Springer was fielded by third baseman Ryan McMahon, who tagged Lukes out at third before making an unsuccessful throw to first, where first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. failed to catch the ball and lost his glove in the process. Guerrero attempted to advance to third base, prompting Garcia to throw towards Lombard, who was also heading to the bag. Lombard unintentionally collided with Guerrero as the latter slid into the base, with Lombard’s left thigh making contact with Guerrero’s head.
Guerrero’s helmet was dislodged during the collision, but he managed to get up and complete a run to home plate, scoring the tying run. However, Guerrero seemed disoriented after crossing the plate. In the following inning, Charles McAdoo substituted Guerrero at first base. Despite the incident, the Blue Jays ultimately emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, boosting their season record to 60-64.