Beermen activate Fajardo ahead of game against Dyip

San Miguel main man June Mar Fajardo will be making his return in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup after being sidelined with a left hand injury.

The Beermen added the 7-time league MVP to the active roster on Friday, taking the place of the injured Vic Manuel.

Manuel has been placed on the unrestricted free agent with rights to receive salary list (UFAWR2RS) ahead of the team’s final two elimination games.

With a 6-3 record, San Miguel plays Terrafirma on Sunday and Blackwater on January 12. The team needs to win both matches to have a chance at clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Magnolia is already assured of the playoff incentive while Phoenix, Meralco, Brgy. Ginebra, and NorthPort are also competing for the other three twice-to-beat slots in the next round.

Fajardo has been sidelined since November 29, when he fractured his hand while trying to block a shot attempt by Rain or Shine rookie Adrian Nocum.

With Fajardo sidelined, San Miguel posted a 3-2 record and is coming off a Christmas Day win over Phoenix that marked the debut of new import Bennie Boatwright.

Boatwright and Fajardo are expected to provide a formidable frontcourt presence, though Boatwright has displayed more of a perimeter-oriented offensive game than his predecessor, Ivan Aska.

Meanwhile, Manuel has yet to play for San Miguel this conference as he is still recovering from a knee surgery.