Bo Bichette’s return to the Blue Jays’ lineup bodes well for Toronto’s hopes of making the playoffs, despite the team losing catcher Danny Jansen for the remainder of the regular season.
After a stint on the 10-day injured list, Bichette took to the field again on Friday at a game held at the homegrounds, Rogers Centre, facing the Kansas City Royals. An unfortunate right quadriceps strain resulted in the all-star shortstop’s absence from the team since August 27th.
At the time, the Blue Jays were fortunate to maintain third position for the final wild card slot in the American League, holding a half-game advantage over the Texas Rangers. Reflecting on his team’s performance during a dugout conversation, Bichette declared, “I’ve always had confidence in this group. This is when you find out what we’re made of.”
His return comes at a pivotal moment as the Blue Jays get ready for a crucial 10-game homestand, which includes a four-game series against their rivals, Texas Rangers, commencing on Monday. With a two-game deficit against the Seattle Mariners for the second wild-card spot, every game matters now.
Infielder Mason McCoy was transferred to the Blue Jays’ triple-A affiliate in Buffalo, New York, to make way for Bichette’s return to the major-league roster. Bichette has an impressive .314 average lead for Toronto and has hit 18 homers this season, second only to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 21.
Despite his absence, Bichette’s 152 hits this season remain among the top ten in Major League Baseball. Blue Jays’ manager, John Schneider, hailed his return as “a huge addition at the top of the order” but also cautioned a need to monitor his workload during his initial games following the injury.
Danny Jansen’s season came to an abrupt end following a surgery he underwent on his fractured right middle finger. Bichette acknowledged the setback, remarking on Jansen’s leadership and his determination. With Jansen out, Alejandro Kirk will take over as the team’s starting catcher, aided by Tyler Heineman while Daulton Varsho will fill in the position, if needed.
Meanwhile, in other team news, reliever Erik Swanson is on the rebound from thoracic spine inflammation, and is scheduled to pitch a relief inning for the Buffalo Bisons on Saturday while all-star third baseman Matt Chapman is showing signs of recovery from his strained right middle finger, and resumed practicing his strokes and throws.
