The Toronto Blue Jays have jumped out to a 2-0 series lead over the New York Yankees in the ALDS despite not having star shortstop Bo Bichette.
Bichette was left off the ALDS roster due to issues stemming from a knee sprain suffered in early September. He was one of the Blue Jays’ most important players this season, slashing .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs and 181 hits.
With Bichette still on the shelf, there is concern that his injury may be more serious than initially thought. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal explained the concerning development.
“In my opinion, they have to be concerned,” Rosenthal said. “It’s not so much what I’m hearing, but what I’m seeing being by their dugout. He is not walking like a guy who is fully healthy, he’s got a bit of a limp.”
Andres Gimenez has taken over the role of shortstop in Bichette’s absence. In the two ALDS games, Gimenez is 3-8 with two RBIs.
While the Blue Jays have the Yankees on the brink of elimination even without Bichette, his return will be key if Toronto wishes to embark on a deep postseason run this October. With the American League seemingly wide open, the Blue Jays have a real chance to reach the World Series for the first time since 1993. Bringing Bichette back to the lineup gives them the best chance to make that a reality.