UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays are at a critical crossroads as they determine whether to include shortstop Bo Bichette on their roster for the upcoming American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners. Manager John Schneider confirmed this decision needs to be made by 10 a.m. Sunday, just hours before Game 1 at Rogers Centre.
Bichette has been sidelined since September 6 due to a left knee sprain. After limited practice sessions, including running for the first time on Wednesday and hitting live pitching on Friday, he is still not fully cleared for play. Schneider indicated that if Bichette cannot contribute immediately, he may not be included in the roster.
“I’m trying to weigh out, is [his availability] every day? Is it off the bench?” Schneider stated, emphasizing the urgency of Bichette’s condition. The manager is keen to assess how Bichette feels about his readiness, noting, “It’s a weird time crunch with the series starting tomorrow.”
The absence of the 27-year-old hitter has not hindered the Blue Jays’ performance; they scored an impressive 34 runs in the AL Division Series, showcasing their offensive depth. However, Bichette’s return could significantly bolster their lineup. He rebounded from a challenging 2024 season and posted a .311 batting average, ranking second in the American League with 18 home runs and 94 RBI during the regular season.
In Bichette’s absence, Andres Gimenez has stepped in as a reliable shortstop, while utility player Ernie Clement also filled in during the regular season. As the Blue Jays prepare for the ALCS, they are also strategizing their pitching lineup. Kevin Gausman is confirmed as the starting pitcher for Game 1, with Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber likely to follow in Games 2 and 3.
The Blue Jays previously carried 13 pitchers and position players in the ALDS, but Schneider hinted that the roster composition may change to accommodate the demanding schedule of consecutive games in Seattle. Both Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, who finished the season on the injured list, could be potential additions to provide length in the pitching rotation.
With the clock ticking down to the roster deadline, the Blue Jays’ management faces a high-stakes decision that could determine the outcome of their championship aspirations. Fans eagerly await news on Bichette’s status as the team strives for victory against the Mariners. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.