Bichette Could Return: Jays Hope for Shortstop in MLB Playoffs

NEW YORK – Bo Bichette, the talented shortstop for the Blue Jays, was preparing to run this Wednesday for the first time since suffering a sprain in his left knee last month. The Toronto team still maintains hope that their star shortstop can return to the field this postseason. Bichette, a two-time All-Star, finished the regular season on the injured list and was left off the roster for the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees. The player participated in at-bats in a simulated game on Tuesday in Toronto against teammates Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, and then joined the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.

“The last three days have been quite positive for him,” manager John Schneider commented on Wednesday. “He’s running today for the first time. We’ll take it day by day and listen to how he feels.

John Schneider

“I think he’s probably cleared the hurdle a little bit in terms of making consistent progress. It wasn’t just hitting in the cage; he faced live pitching and knew he was going to run today for the first time.” Bichette hasn’t played since September 6, when he injured his knee in a collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells.

“I think he’s progressing and we will continue to take it day by day,” added Schneider.

John Schneider

If Toronto advances, it would begin the American League Championship Series, a best-of-seven series, at home on Sunday. Andrés Giménez, three-time Gold Glove winner at second base with the Cleveland Guardians, has been playing shortstop with the Blue Jays to cover for Bichette’s absence. Bichette, 27, had a great season before getting injured, batting .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an OPS of .840 in 139 games. He finished second in the majors in batting average, only surpassed by Aaron Judge of the Yankees. Bichette, who can become a free agent after the World Series, is the son of former Major League hitter Dante Bichette.