The Toronto Blue Jays should exercise extreme caution with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and now, they've got a built-in excuse for keeping him off the big league roster to start the year.
The Jays' top prospect suffered a left oblique strain during a Spring Training game, and it's now been reported that the highly-touted third baseman will be sidelined for three weeks while he nurses the injury.
BREAKING: Vladimir Guererro Jr. has been diagnosed with a left oblique strain. Sidelined 3 weeks.
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) March 10, 2019
The league's No. 1 overall prospect suffered the injury on Friday in the Jays' game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Guerrero was expected to start the season in the minor leagues to allow the Jays to extend his MLB service time, and now that decision is crystal clear (and Toronto is breathing a bizarre sigh of relief that their controversial call can no longer be questioned).
No. 1 prospect Vlad Guerrero Jr. out for 3 weeks with a grade 1 oblique strain, per @ShiDavidi pic.twitter.com/OfFWDqAPol
— Bleacher Report MLB (@BR_MLB) March 10, 2019
Across four levels of minor league ball in 2018, Guerrero slashed for a line of .381/.437/.636, and cranked 20 home runs alongside 78 RBI.
He is one of the most highly-coveted prospects in recent history, and the Blue Jays will be doing whatever they can to maintain the longevity of baseball's next superstar.
Fans got a small glimpse of the future of the Blue Jays' franchise during Spring Training, but they will have to wait a few weeks to see him back in action.