TORONTO — Blue Jays manager John Schneider introduced a new level of optimism to ongoing conversation around the possibility that one of his biggest bats might be available for the World Series starting with Game 1 on Friday.
Shortstop Bo Bichette, sidelined with a sprained left knee for the past six weeks, took live batting practice and worked in the field around Media Day at Rogers Centre on Thursday. Bichette already cleared a prerequisite for his return set by the Blue Jays during the ALCS — running. He hasn’t been “on the bases” yet but was able to run back-to-back days.
“He’s feeling good, which is nice. Still a few more boxes to check,” Schneider said of Bichette.
Bichette was adamant after the Blue Jays took Game 7 of the ALCS that he would be on the World Series roster. He was only a passing consideration in the previous two series, Schneider said, but the option appears to be legitimate at this stage.
“I think just in conversations with Bo, he’s pretty realistic about how he feels and how he will feel if he’s out there,” Schneider said. “So it’s something we got to continue to work through, really. I think that if he feels comfortable doing it, I’m going to listen to players and trust them. I’ve known Bo for a long time.”
Bichette is capable of playing second base or designated hitter. An immediate return to his natural shortstop position might be a reach because of the lateral mobility demanded to excel in that spot and the potent Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense. Bichette has not appeared at second base at the major league level but has done so in the minors.
Where he is comfortable playing and where the Blue Jays expect him to have the most success might not be the same position. Schneider said playing Bichette at second base in the World Series might be “a little bit of a leap.”
“We’ll see. We’re kind of coming right down to the wire with it,” Schneider said of Bichette’s fit in the lineup when he returns. “I could see all three of those things happening, to be honest with you. Just kind of have to talk to him after the workout today, see how comfortable he felt doing everything and make the best decision.”
Bichette, 27, is a two-time All-Star who has played all seven of his major league seasons in Toronto. He hit .311 with a .357 on-base percentage, a .483 slugging percentage, 18 homers and 94 RBIs in 139 games in 2025.
His career batting line is .294/.337/.469 with 111 homers and 437 RBIs in 748 games.
–Field Level Media
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