UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays are racing against the clock as they prepare for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners. Manager John Schneider confirmed that a decision regarding shortstop Bo Bichette‘s inclusion on the roster remains pending, just hours before the deadline at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Bichette has been sidelined since spraining his left knee in a collision on September 6. After making significant strides in his recovery—running for the first time on Wednesday, hitting live pitching on Friday, and running the bases today—the team must now evaluate whether he is fit for play. Game 1 is set for Sunday night at Rogers Centre, heightening the urgency for a final roster decision.
“Is [his availability] every day? Is it off the bench? Obviously, you want his bat in the lineup,” Schneider stated, indicating the complexity of the decision. If Bichette isn’t ready to contribute fully, the team may opt out of including him. However, Schneider hinted at the potential for Bichette to join the roster in a limited capacity.
Without Bichette, Toronto’s offense has remained potent, scoring a remarkable 34 runs in the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, including a staggering 23 runs in the first two home games. Yet, Bichette’s exceptional regular-season performance—batting .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI—has left a void that cannot be overlooked as the team heads into critical matchups.
The Blue Jays will also be considering their pitching lineup. Kevin Gausman will start Game 1, continuing his role as ace, while Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber are expected to follow in Games 2 and 3, respectively. The team is contemplating adjustments to their roster structure for this series, especially with the demanding schedule that includes three consecutive games in Seattle.
Both Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt have recently recovered from injuries and could be included to bolster the pitching depth, especially after the team relied on a bullpen game in their previous series.
With the ALCS fast approaching, all eyes are on the Blue Jays’ final roster decisions. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Bichette will have the chance to make an impact in what could be a pivotal series for the franchise. The next few hours will be critical in shaping the outcome of Toronto’s postseason journey.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the Blue Jays finalize their roster ahead of Game 1.
