Yunel Escobar’s helmet collided with Andy LaRoche’s knee as the Blue Jays shortstop slid into third base for a fifth-inning triple last night and he later left the game after experiencing what manager John Farrell described as “persistent dizziness.”
Escobar underwent concussion tests last night, which according to Farrell includes a CAT scan and cervical X-ray. There’s no word yet on his status, but Escobar is out of the lineup for today’s game and seems like a good candidate to be the first player placed on MLB’s new seven-day disabled list for concussions that was introduced last month.
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau suffered a concussion on a similar play last July while playing against the Blue Jays, as his helmet made contact with John McDonald’s knee as he slid into second base trying to break up a double play. Morneau ended up being sidelined for nine months, but there’s obviously no reason to assume the worst with Escobar. For now the Blue Jays are “cautiously optimistic” he’ll be fine.
