Escobar improving, could return by Sunday

[LittleOzzy]

Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar continues to take positive steps in his recovery from a mild concussion.

Escobar traveled with Toronto on its West Coast trip to Anaheim late Thursday night. He went through a series of physical and mental tests the following day without experiencing any negative symptoms.

As per league policy on concussions, Escobar must go through those tests again on Saturday to ensure there are no lingering effects. If all goes well, he could play as early as Sunday.

"It's a matter of reproducing it day after day so there is no reoccurence or those symptoms reemerging," Blue Jays manager John Farrell said.

Escobar suffered the injury on a collision with Oakland third baseman Andy LaRoche on Wednesday night.

At the time of the incident, Escobar had been one of the most productive hitters in the Blue Jays' lineup. He was batting .474 with one home run and three RBIs.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/ar ... r&c_id=tor

[hyper316]

good, sad to see a player starting well for the season and getting hurt so soon (last year snider started pretty well too i think)

[tiger7]

That's a really good sign. I was worried he would be out for an extended period of time with how he was acting the inning after he smashed his head. He's playing amazing all around so far and with a lot of confidence. I wouldn't want to see him go through what Morneau did last year. We could definitely use his bat back and base running in the lineup to get on base consistently and setup for bombtista.

[evilRyu]

i heard the interview.. that's a very encouraging sign. he's currently leading the AL in batting average! sweeeeet.

[baulderdash77]

It's the offense is very noticeably different with him out of the lineup. He gets in scoring position and the he's a presence on the basepaths. Can't wait for him to get back.

[WpgPage]

hopefully hes still taking BP so he doesn't lose that great timing he had im hoping for a big season from him this year.

[premedfailure]

I hope they take their time with him. I know he was doing so well but concussions are something you absolutely cant rush with. Its better for him to return 100% healthy and not have any lingering effects that could increase his odds of getting another concussion and being on the DL for a much longer period.