What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Toronto Blue Jays are preparing for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners, with a key decision pending on the status of shortstop Bo Bichette. Bichette has been sidelined since early September due to a left knee sprain and missed the Division Series against the Yankees. Blue Jays manager John Schneider reported that Bichette has been engaging in activities such as hitting against live pitching and running bases, but he still experiences discomfort. The team is considering whether Bichette can be included in the roster for the ALCS, potentially in a designated hitter (DH) role. This decision is crucial as it could affect the lineup, pushing George Springer into the outfield and altering the positions of other players. The final decision on Bichette's participation will be made before the roster announcement tomorrow morning.
Why It's Important?
Bichette's potential return is significant for the Blue Jays as they aim to strengthen their lineup against the Mariners. His presence, even in a limited DH role, could provide a substantial boost to the team's offensive capabilities. However, there is a risk involved; if Bichette is not fully recovered and needs to be placed back on the injured list during the ALCS, he would be ineligible for the World Series should the Blue Jays advance. This decision also impacts the team's strategy, as it involves reshuffling players like George Springer and potentially sidelining others. The outcome of this decision could influence the Blue Jays' performance in the series and their chances of progressing further in the postseason.
What's Next?
The Blue Jays must finalize their roster decisions by 9am CT tomorrow, including whether to include Bichette and how to manage their pitching rotation. With the ALCS being a seven-game series, the team is considering adding veteran pitchers Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer, who were left off the ALDS roster due to recent struggles and injury recovery. These decisions will shape the team's strategy and readiness for the upcoming series against the Mariners.
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