Ronald Guzman leaves game, in concussion protocol

Texas Rangers first baseman Ronald Guzman is in the MLB concussion protocol, the team has announced, after leaving tonight’s game after a collision at third base. Guzman was at third base in the bottom of the sixth when, diving back to third on a pickoff attempt by catcher Austin Hedges, he hit his head against the knee of third baseman Christian Villanueva. After being evaluated he was lifted for Joey Gallo.

Guzman will now be evaluated and will have to clear the concussion protocol before he can return to action. If he will miss time, he could be placed on the seven day concussion disabled list. Alternatively, he could be held out a day or two until he’s cleared, as was the case with Jurickson Profar earlier this year.

Should Guzman be out, it seems likely Ryan Rua, Willie Calhoun or Drew Robinson would get called up to replace him, with Rua, who has bounced up and down a few times this season, seeming to be the most likely candidate, as he’s a versatile defender whose righthanded bat gives the Rangers some flexibility with their largely left handed hitting lineup.