Blue Jays Reliever Struck In Head, Enters Concussion Protocol

The Toronto Blue Jays have quietly been piecing together a bullpen that could take them a long way this season, with the acquisitions of Jordan Hicks and, before the season, former New York Yankees reliever Chad Green.

Green, who's been coming back Tommy John to this point in 2023, was just about finished his rehab assignment and almost ready to make his Blue Jays debut this month. Unfortunately, he has now suffered a setback, after being struck in the head by a catcher's throw at Triple-A.

Chad Green is entering into concussion protocols today.

This starts a “meticulous process”, as John Schneider described it, to test Green and ensure he’s safe to return. #BlueJays https://t.co/W2bZm9dx2r

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 9, 2023

Green will now enter concussion protocols, and as Jays manager John Schneider puts it, will begin a "meticulous process" of tests before he's able to return.

The good news is that the 32-year-old high-leverage reliever was able to walk off the field under his own power.

It was Green’s third appearance with Triple-A Buffalo, where he has a 0.00 ERA thus far, tossing 3 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts. The Jays have said that his rehab assignment is now concluded. It's just a matter of ensuring he's free of concussion symptoms before he joins the Jays. 

Green owns a career 3.17 ERA, and when he's able to join Toronto's 'pen, will form an impressive back-end, along with Erik Swanson, Hicks and, when he returns from the IL, closer Jordan Romano. 

Photo: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports