MIAMI -- Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wasn’t in the starting lineup in Friday night’s 5-2 win over the Marlins in the series opener at loanDepot park, but he's nearing a return.
Guerrero hasn’t played since leaving Monday’s game in Pittsburgh with left hamstring inflammation.
“Today was the first day of running and getting after it,” Schneider said. “He did some running [sprints]. He hit in the cage. He is going to hit out here today and see how he feels, to see if he’s available today, tomorrow, Sunday. Whatever it is.
“But he’s definitely feeling better, and I think the activity he did today is a good sign -- all trending in the right direction.”
Added Schneider: “Watching him hit in the cage, he looked pretty normal today.”
Guerrero was removed in the fifth inning of Monday’s 5-2 loss to the Pirates at PNC Park. He sustained the injury in the bottom of the third, when he dropped into the splits to make an inning-ending pick on a throw from Bo Bichette.
Schneider was asked on Friday if he’s erring on the side of caution when it comes to Guerrero’s return.
“Yes and no,” Schneider said. “We all know how important he is to us, and we don’t want him to not be in the lineup. So I think trying to learn from past injuries of that nature, we definitely can’t afford to lose him for an extended period of time.
“So being cautious, yeah. But at the same time, trying to get him back as soon as we can. ... He’s being smart about it.”