Major League Baseball

Blue Jays promote Vladimir Guerrero

Published Jun. 1, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Vladimir Guerrero is going to Las Vegas, moving him one step closer to a return to the major leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto assigned the 37-year-old to their Triple-A affiliate on Friday. Guerrero, who signed a minor league deal with Toronto May 10, is scheduled to play Saturday when the 51's host Reno.

A 16-year veteran, Guerrero reported to extended spring training in Florida after signing with the Blue Jays. He appeared in four games with Class A Dunedin, batting .450 (9 for 20) with a double, four homers and eight RBIs.

Blue Jays manager John Farrell said Guerrero will be a designated hitter and play the outfield in Las Vegas, as he did in Dunedin.

This is the first trip to Triple-A for the nine-time All-Star and 2004 AL MVP. He jumped from Double-A to the majors with Montreal in 1996.