Reporter Kim Joo-hee = Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays), who is about to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), felt uncomfortable with his knee and was replaced during the game.
Guerrero Jr. started as a first baseman for the third batter before the Tampa Bay Race in the 2023 Major League Baseball exhibition held at TD Ball Park in Florida, USA on the 4th (Korean time).
He appeared only once at the plate.
Guerrero Jr., who was hit with one out and second base in the first inning, called in second base runner Bo Bissett with a timely hit. At this point, he stepped up to second base while the ball was being thrown home. The problem appears to have occurred as Guerrero Jr. sprinted to second base.
Guerrero Jr., who finished the first inning without scoring, left the dugout in the second inning and headed to the clubhouse with the trainer.
And he was substituted before the defense in the top of the 3rd inning and ended the game as it was.
Toronto coach John Schneider said of Guerrero Jr. after the game, “I’m feeling some discomfort in my right knee. We’ll have to see how it goes tomorrow.”
He added, “Guerrero Jr.’s move to second base was awkward. We’ll see how he does tomorrow, but he’s not too concerned.” 메이저놀이터
Guerrero Jr. will compete for the Dominican Republic at the 2023 WBC. He is about to join the Dominican Republic national team on the 6th.
The Dominican Republic, which belongs to Group D, will play the first round in Miami, USA from the 12th to the 17th.
The Dominican Republic is considered a strong contender, but Guerrero Jr.’s physical condition could take a toll on his power.
MLB.com said, “It is still unknown how the knee problem will affect Guerrero Jr.’s participation in the WBC.”