TORONTO – Bo Bichette, who hasn’t played since he sprained his left knee in early September, was added to the Toronto Blue Jays’ roster for the World Series.
Bichette, a two-time All-Star at shortstop, will play second base for the first time in his major league career and will bat fourth in Game 1 on Friday night in Toronto, according to the lineup revealed by the Jays.
The Blue Jays also included first baseman Ty France on their roster for the first time this postseason. Outfielder Joey Loperfido and right-handed reliever Yariel Rodriguez, who were on the American League Championship Series roster, were not included.
Bichette hasn’t played since he injured his knee in a collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells on September 6. He tried to return in time for the American League Championship Series, but couldn’t run the bases without feeling significant pain the day before the Blue Jays had to submit their roster.
Bichette practiced at second base and faced live pitches on Wednesday and Thursday, after which he said the knee “felt good enough.” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Bichette could play at second base, shortstop, or even act as the team’s designated hitter during the series, a move that would likely move George Springer out of the DH spot and into right field.
Bichette, a free agent this winter, had a comeback season after posting a .598 OPS in 81 games in a 2024 campaign plagued by injuries. The 27-year-old homegrown star finished second in the majors with a .311 batting average and hit 18 home runs with 94 RBIs and an .840 OPS.
Without him, the Blue Jays have played with Andrés Giménez, their usual second baseman, at shortstop in the postseason, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa receiving the majority of the starts at second base.
The Dodgers added right-handers Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein, while leaving out left-hander Alex Vesia and right-hander Ben Casparius. The Dodgers said Thursday that Vesia was not with the team in Toronto due to a family matter.
Former closer Tanner Scott was not added. The lefty was removed from the National League Division Series roster following surgery on October 8 to remove an abscess from an infection in his lower body.
Clayton Kershaw, who was left off the Dodgers’ wild card series roster and did not pitch in the National League Championship Series, is on the World Series roster. Kershaw has said he plans to retire after this season.
