Blue Jays anticipate Bo Bichette’s postseason return as Guerrero Jr. hopes for ALCS miracle
The Toronto Blue Jays are facing a critical moment in their postseason journey as they continue to navigate the absence of shortstop Bo Bichette, who has been sidelined since September 6 due to a sprained left knee. The injury occurred during a collision at the plate, and since then, both General Manager Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider have provided vague updates regarding Bichette’s return timeline, leaving fans and teammates alike in suspense.
Guerrero Jr. offers optimism
In the midst of this uncertainty, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. provided a glimmer of hope regarding Bichette’s potential return. Although Guerrero Jr. confirmed that Bichette will not play in the upcoming American League Division Series (ALDS), he expressed optimism about the shortstop making a comeback in the possible American League Championship Series (ALCS).
“I hope we win this series and he comes back for the next one,” Guerrero Jr. commented on Wednesday. “We miss him. He knows we miss him. This is God’s plan. Whatever God has for us, we’ve got to take.” His sentiments reflect the team’s collective desire for their star player to return and contribute during the postseason.
Bichette’s recovery progress
Manager John Schneider provided an update on Bichette’s condition, revealing that the shortstop has begun playing catch on the field. However, he remains unable to run, which raises questions about his readiness for any potential games. Atkins echoed this uncertainty, stating that the franchise currently lacks a definitive timeline for Bichette’s return.
Injury details and impact
Bichette’s injury, a sprained PCL in his left knee, ruled him out for the remainder of the regular season, although there remains a possibility for a return in October if his recovery progresses well. Following a second opinion, medical assessments confirmed that there is no structural damage, and surgery is not required. This news offers a sense of relief for the Blue Jays, but as of the latest updates, Bichette has yet to be cleared for any running activities.
Given the current circumstances, even if Bichette does make a return, it is likely that he would step into the lineup as a designated hitter, rather than resuming his role at shortstop immediately.
As the Blue Jays gear up for the ALDS, the hope remains that their star shortstop will reclaim his position on the field when the stakes are highest.