Bichette in doubt for Toronto’s roster in the ALCS: Will he play?

Question on Alignment: Bo Bichette in the American League Championship Series

Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced on Saturday that it has not yet been decided whether shortstop Bo Bichette will be part of the roster for the American League Championship Series. Uncertainty surrounds the key player’s participation due to an injury. Bichette has been out of action since suffering a sprain in his left knee on September 6. Although he has progressed in his recovery, the team is evaluating his availability for the start of the series against the Mariners. The first game against the Seattle Mariners is scheduled for Sunday night at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays have until 10 a.m. on Sunday to finalize their player roster. Schneider hinted that the decision will depend on Bichette’s availability to play consistently. The manager is considering whether Bichette will be ready to play every day or if his participation will be limited.

I’m trying to assess, is he available every day? Is he off the bench? Obviously, you want his bat in the lineup. I think just getting to the point with him and getting his input, having him be a part of this, how much, if he’s going to be committed. And if not, OK, and how that affects everyone else that we’re going to try to use and deploy.

John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager

Toronto’s offense showed its ability even without Bichette in the American League Division Series, scoring 34 runs in four games. However, Bichette was one of the team’s top three hitters during the regular season. Bichette had an outstanding season, batting .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 139 games. Andres Gimenez, former starting second baseman, played shortstop for the Blue Jays in the divisional series against the Yankees. Ernie Clement also covered the shortstop position during the regular season. As for the pitchers, Kevin Gausman will be the Game 1 starter, and Trey Yesavage (Game 2) and Shane Bieber (Game 3) are expected to follow suit. The Blue Jays carried 13 pitchers and position players in the American League Division Series, and Schneider indicated they will do the same in the Championship Series. After using only three starters in the Division Series, the Blue Jays could include Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt as additional options. Schneider stated that both pitchers feel good and are ready to play.