Loperfido 'all right' despite neck discomfort after running into wall
This browser does not support the video element.
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The Blue Jays had their first injury scare of the spring on Tuesday when Joey Loperfido left the club's 3-2 win over the Cardinals in the first inning with neck discomfort.
Loperfido was tracking a fly ball from Victor Scott II back to the wall in center field when the outfielder fell awkwardly into the wall, landing with some force on the back of his neck and his head. Loperfido was clearly in pain on the field, but he got to his feet by the time manager John Schneider and the Blue Jays¡¯ training staff ran out to check on him. After a quick chat, Loperfido exited the field with trainers and went directly to the clubhouse.
¡°He¡¯s all right,¡± Schneider said after the game. ¡°No concussion symptoms or anything, he got that checked out. It¡¯s more upper back and neck discomfort ¡ Joey¡¯s OK, so we¡¯ll check him out tomorrow and hopefully he doesn¡¯t miss much.¡±
Loperfido has gotten the start in center field in both of the Blue Jays¡¯ home games this spring, which is important. Daulton Varsho is still working his way back from right shoulder surgery late last season, and while he could begin to DH in games as early as Friday, his throwing -- and his ability to dive for balls -- will be the final hurdles he needs to clear.
Along with Loperfido, the Blue Jays are expected to look at Nathan Lukes, Jonatan Clase, Myles Straw and George Springer in center.
After coming over to the Blue Jays from the Astros last year in the package for Yusei Kikuchi, Loperfido hit just .197 with a .579 OPS down the stretch, but the Blue Jays have been optimistic the 25-year-old will bounce back in 2025 coming off a strong offseason and some adjustments in his pre-swing approach.