TAMPA, Fla. – Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette sought a second medical opinion on Monday regarding his injured knee and could initially return to the lineup as a designated hitter. Bichette, who has been out of action since September 7 due to a sprained left knee, was examined in Dallas on Monday by Dr. Dan Cooper. Blue Jays manager John Schneider reported that there was nothing new to report and that the appointment was simply part of the recovery process.
Toronto began Monday night with the best record in the American League (87-62) and a four-game lead in the American League East over the New York Yankees, with 13 games to play. Bichette, 27, and a two-time All-Star, was injured on September 6 in a play at the plate against the Yankees and was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to September 7. The Blue Jays have emphasized patience, but Schneider acknowledged that Bichette could return as a designated hitter before he’s ready to play defense.It doesn’t change how we think. It gives him and us some clarity.
John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager
Bichette was having a standout season before the injury, batting .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an OPS of .840 in 139 games. He leads the Major Leagues in hits (181) and doubles (44). Bichette, who can become a free agent after this year’s World Series, is the son of former Major League slugger Dante Bichette.In a perfect world, if he can return and play shortstop, great. We’ll see how this goes. With the way he’s moving, it seems to me that hitting will be a little ahead of everything else. I think we’ll know more tomorrow or the next day, but if we can get his bat back, of course, I’ll accept it.
John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager
