Vladimir Guerrero

Blue Jays manager John Farrell acknowledged that the demotion of Adam Lind could speed up Vladimir Guerrero’s arrival with the team.

When asked how Vlad’s return has been affected by the Lind demotion, Farrell replied, “Quickly shortened up.” Guerrero has reportedly been impressive during workouts at the Blue Jays’ spring training complex in Florida and will get in game action there next week. While the Jays initially said he wouldn’t join them until at least June, it sounds like he could be an option before the end of the month.

Vladimir Guerrero reported to the Blue Jays’ minor league complex in Dunedin, Florida on Tuesday morning.

He still needs to take a physical before getting on the field for the first time. There are no guarantees that Vlad will eventually be added to the Blue Jays’ roster, and if he is, it won’t happen until sometime in June, at least. “I think there are frequent conversations on how we can improve the team,” manager John Farrell said. “One would have his name in it, one would have other names in it. I wouldn’t pinpoint it to the time when Vlad is major league ready. The one thing that I will say to that is that there are ongoing conversations that we look for ways to best improve where we are today.”

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said he hasn’t guaranteed Vladimir Guerrero a roster spot, and if the veteran is called up, it likely won’t be until at least June.

“It’s strictly a matter of, there’s no such thing as a bad minor league contract,” Anthopoulos said. “There’s no guarantees on behalf of the club. There is no financial commitment. … We continue to look for depth in all areas whenever we can.” Anthopoulos did say that the team will allow Vlad to look for an opportunity elsewhere if it looks like he’s not going to get a shot with the Jays. If he is called up by Toronto, he’s expected to serve as an occasional DH and pinch-hitter.

Blue Jays signed DH Vladimir Guerrero to a minor league contract.

This confirms a report by Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. The plan is for Vlad to report to extended spring training in Dunedin before the team figures out how he can fit into their plans. The 37-year-old batted just .290/.317/.416 with 13 homers, 63 RBI and a career-low .733 OPS last season with the Orioles, so expectations should be pretty modest, but he could have some value as a part-time designated hitter and a right-handed bat off the bench. Edwin Encarnacion shouldn’t lose any at-bats at this point, so the biggest potential loser here might be Adam Lind.