The Toronto Blue Jays have been grinding their way through September without one of their most important pieces in the lineup shortstop Bo Bichette. The two-time All-Star has been sidelined since September 6 after spraining his knee while attempting a slide into home plate against the New York Yankees.
While the injury was not considered season-ending, it has now stretched into more than two weeks on the shelf. During that time, Toronto has managed to stay afloat, though their performances have been anything but steady.
Blue Jays Without Bichette: A Mixed Bag
Interestingly, the Blue Jays have shown flashes of resilience without Bichette, going 8–6 since his injury. They strung together an impressive six-game winning streak at one point, suggesting that the lineup could survive without its usual centerpiece. But just as quickly, the team’s inconsistencies came roaring back, as they dropped four straight games immediately after.
Their latest series win over the Kansas City Royals on September 21 provided a small sigh of relief, but the looming question remains: when will Bichette return? With only six games left in the regular season three against the Boston Red Sox followed by three against the Tampa Bay Rays the clock is ticking.
For a team that has already clinched a postseason berth, the primary concern isn’t whether Bichette returns, but when and in what condition. The Blue Jays would prefer that their shortstop gets live at-bats before the playoffs begin, rather than dropping him straight into October baseball cold.
Progress Made, But One Key Step Remains
Reports around Bichette’s rehab have been encouraging. He has resumed hitting, spending consecutive days working in the batting cages. Most of that work, however, has been limited to tee drills and soft tosses. He has yet to face high-velocity pitches off a machine, which is another crucial step in game preparation.
The biggest hurdle, though, is running. According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, Bichette still hasn’t tested his injured knee with any running activity. Until he clears that milestone, a return to the field is out of the question.
Manager John Schneider remains optimistic, calling Bichette’s most recent rehab session one of the best days so far. That update, shared by Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, suggests that progress is being made, even if the timeline is tight.
How Should Toronto Use Him When He Returns?
Assuming Bichette is cleared in time to play, an important decision awaits the Blue Jays: should he return to his role as the everyday shortstop, or would he be more effective as a designated hitter?
Defense has never been Bichette’s strength. By most advanced metrics, he grades out as one of the weaker defenders at his position. Adding a knee injury to the mix could make his fielding even more of a liability. On the other hand, Toronto can’t afford to keep his bat out of the lineup.
The numbers speak for themselves: in the 14 games since Bichette went down, the Blue Jays have scored four or fewer runs in eight contests. With a pitching staff that has been battling injuries and inconsistencies of its own, Toronto desperately needs all the offensive firepower it can muster.
That makes slotting Bichette in as a DH, at least initially, a realistic and perhaps even strategic choice. The priority is to make sure his bat is ready to contribute in the postseason, even if his glove isn’t.
A Critical Final Week
The Blue Jays are heading into the final week of the regular season with momentum on the line. A strong finish could set the tone heading into the playoffs, but the return of Bo Bichette might prove to be the biggest boost of all.
Whether he plays shortstop or serves as a designated hitter, Bichette’s presence changes the entire complexion of Toronto’s lineup. The next few days of his rehab will determine if he gets the chance to shake off the rust before the postseason lights come on.
For now, all eyes are on that one hurdle left to clear running. Once Bichette proves his knee can handle it, the Blue Jays will be that much closer to getting their star slugger back where they need him most.