The Toronto Blue Jays (82–61) are entering a crucial final stretch of the season with their sights set on capturing the organization’s first AL East division title since 2015. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are hot on their heels.
The team is led by 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who signed a 14-year, $500 million contract, which begins in 2026. The team was relatively quiet at the MLB Trade Deadline, but they added RP Seranthony Dominguez to fortify their bullpen.
With Bo Bichette set to enter unrestricted free agency, Toronto’s shortstop has returned to his elite form at the plate, and his bounce-back season — along with George Springer’s resurgence — has been a huge reason for the team’s success.
The 27-year-old star has posted a .311 batting average, .357 on-base percentage, .840 OPS, 18 home runs and 94 RBIs across 139 games. The two-time All-Star also leads the league in hits (181) and doubles (44) entering Tuesday.
Bichette appeared to injure his left knee in a home plate collision in the top of the sixth inning during Saturday’s game against the New York Yankees. After a lengthy rain delay and X-rays came back negative, Bichette appeared to avoid a serious injury and finished the game.
However, Bichette was held out of the lineup for the series finale on Sunday, and on Tuesday, the Blue Jays announced he had suffered a left knee sprain and would be placed on the injured list (retroactive to Sunday), with Joey Loperfido being called up in his place.
Bo Bichette Injury Comes at Unfortunate Time
With Bichette sidelined for at least the next week, if not longer, waiver acquisition Isiah Kiner-Falefa will likely see an increase in playing time. When Bichette was out for Sunday’s game against New York, Ernie Clement handled shortstop duties while Kiner-Falefa played third base.
Needless to say, Kiner-Falefa — who has a .630 OPS and just one home run in 122 games this season — will be a downgrade at the plate, and it will be hard for the Blue Jays to replace Bichette’s production.
Bichette’s injury is an unfortunate development, especially with New York taking the weekend series and closing the gap to just two games in the AL East after Toronto has led for most of the season’s second half. The Yankees have been playing great as of late (winning seven of their last 10), making Bichette’s unavailability a tall task to overcome as the race for first place heats up.
The Blue Jays will look to get back on track starting a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Tuesday.
About the author
Gavin Groe
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports