Blue Jays Reinstate Bassitt, Scherzer for ALCS; Bichette Remains out
Toronto, ON – The Toronto Blue Jays have announced roster changes ahead of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, activating pitchers Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. Shortstop Bo Bichette, however, remains off the roster as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
bichette had been participating in running work until Wednesday, but a high-intensity session on the bases Thursday showed limited progress. He “clearly looked to be in discomfort” following the brief workout, casting doubt on his immediate availability, according to Sportsnet. While Bichette has been able to take batting practice and face live pitching, his knee is reportedly “far from 100 percent.”
The Blue Jays could technically activate Bichette during the ALCS should another injury occur, but it is “far likelier” he won’t play until a potential World Series appearance, with even 12 more days of rest and rehab not guaranteeing a return during the postseason. Toronto has adjusted to playing without Bichette,with Gimenez filling the shortstop role,and the team successfully won the AL East and defeated the yankees in the ALDS without him.
Manager John Schneider opted to leave Scherzer off the ALDS roster due to a perceived matchup disadvantage against the yankees. Bassitt was sidelined by back tightness, landing him on the 15-day injured list on September 19. Toronto navigated the five-game ALDS with only three starters – Kevin Gausman, Yusei Kikuchi, and Shane Bieber – relying heavily on their bullpen, which delivered a key performance in the clinching game 4.
Gausman is confirmed as the Game 1 starter, with Kikuchi likely to start Game 2 and Bieber in Game 3. The Blue Jays have not yet announced their plans for the remaining starters,leaving uncertainty around how Bassitt and Scherzer will be utilized.
to make room for bassitt and Scherzer, relievers Tommy Nance and Justin Bruihl were removed from the roster. Nance posted a 1.99 ERA over 30 1/3 regular season innings but struggled in the ALDS, allowing a 13.50 ERA over 1 1/3 innings.Bruihl, who logged 13 2/3 innings with a 5.27 ERA, allowed two earned runs in his one-third of an inning of ALDS work.
