The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that shortstop Bo Bichette will not be part of their roster for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners, which begins on October 15, 2023. This decision comes as Bichette, a two-time All-Star and former AL hits leader, continues to recover from a left knee injury sustained during a collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells on September 6.
In a recent workout, Bichette attempted to run the bases but experienced discomfort while rounding second base, prompting him to leave the field early. He has not played since suffering the injury and finished the regular season with a batting average of .311, ranking second in Major League Baseball behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
While Bichette is sidelined, the Blue Jays welcome back veteran pitcher Max Scherzer and right-hander Chris Bassitt, both of whom missed the Division Series in which Toronto defeated the Yankees. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, had a challenging season, posting a record of 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts. He signed a one-year contract worth $15.5 million and has battled injuries this season, missing significant time due to right thumb inflammation.
Bassitt also had a solid season, finishing with an 11-9 record and a 3.96 ERA over 32 appearances, primarily as a starter. The inclusion of Scherzer and Bassitt comes at a crucial time as the Blue Jays look to build on their strong performance against the Yankees, where they scored 34 runs in 34 innings.
Mariners Adjust Roster for ALCS
The Seattle Mariners have made notable adjustments to their roster ahead of the ALCS. They reintroduce ace pitcher Bryan Woo, who has not pitched since September 19 due to pectoral inflammation. The 25-year-old, who made his All-Star debut this season, concluded the regular season with a 15-7 record, a 2.94 ERA, and 198 strikeouts across 186.2 innings.
In addition to Woo, the Mariners have added utility player Miles Mastrobuoni to their roster. This move replaces outfielder Luke Raley and infielder Ben Williamson. The Mariners’ roster now includes three catchers: Cal Raleigh, Mitch Garver, and Harry Ford, solidifying their depth as they prepare for the championship series.
As the ALCS unfolds, both teams will aim to capitalize on their respective strengths. The Blue Jays will rely heavily on their offense and the return of experienced pitchers, while the Mariners look to leverage Woo’s skills on the mound. With the series set to commence in Toronto, fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup that could pave the way to the World Series.