Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is back.
The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman was activated from the seven-day concussion injured list ahead of Saturday's game against the New York Yankees (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 1:35 p.m. ET / 10:35 a.m. PT).
Guerrero is batting second and playing first base in his return as the Blue Jays look to even the series at one game apiece following Friday's 3-1 loss.
In a corresponding move to make room for Guerrero on the roster, utility man Davis Schneider was optioned back down to triple-A.
Cy Young hopeful Dylan Cease gets the starting nod for the Blue Jays opposite Yankees left-hander Ryan Weathers in a rematch of last Sunday's tilt in Toronto that New York won 4-3 in extra innings.
Meanwhile, Brett Bateman is back in the lead-off spot while George Springer returns to the starting lineup as DH after seeing just one at-bat as a pinch-hitter on Friday.
Guerrero returned to the team on Friday and took swings in the batting cage after doubling during a minor league rehabilitation game for single-A Dunedin on Thursday.
He left a 3-1 win in Toronto over the Yankees last Friday after a collision with New York rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. on a bizarre play at third base in the sixth inning.
The six-time all-star was injured when he slid at third base and had Lombard’s knee and thigh strike his head. The play caused Guerrero’s helmet to get dislodged, though the first baseman scored the tying run before exiting.
Guerrero is batting .263 with seven homers and 46 RBI. Before the collision, he was hitting .310 (seven-for-29) in his last seven games.
--with files from The Associated Press
