Toronto Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette will be absent for the rest of the regular season due to a left knee sprain, but the team remains optimistic about his return for the playoffs. Bichette, who has been out since September 7, received a second opinion from Dr. Dan Cooper in Dallas, confirming the initial diagnosis of a sprained knee without structural damage requiring surgery.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider stated that Bichette will not be back for the regular season, but the team is hopeful for his swift return post-season. The Blue Jays currently lead the AL East with the best record in the American League, holding a five-game advantage over the New York Yankees with 12 games left in the season. Should they secure the division title and one of the top two AL seeds, their postseason journey would commence on October 4 at home. In the event of a Wild Card Series, the Blue Jays would start on September 30.
Schneider mentioned the possibility of Bichette initially returning as a designated hitter before resuming defensive duties. Bichette was engaged in rehab work at the team’s spring training complex in Florida and was anticipated to join the team for further baseball activities later in the week.
The 27-year-old Bichette, a standout player with impressive stats before his injury, was enjoying a successful season with a .311 batting average, 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an .840 OPS in 139 games. Leading the majors in hits (181) and doubles (44), Bichette’s absence is a significant setback for the Blue Jays.
In other news, Trey Yesavage made a historic MLB debut by setting a Blue Jays record with nine strikeouts. George Springer’s key single in the 11th inning helped the Blue Jays secure a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, extending their winning streak to five games and widening their lead in the AL East. Yesavage, a 22-year-old right-hander drafted in the first round last year, showcased an impressive performance in his debut, earning praise for his pitching prowess.
The Blue Jays continue to show strong form as they aim for postseason success, with Jose Berrios set to take the mound for their next game.