Blue Jays Roster Set for ALCS, Bo Bichette Left Off Due to Injury

The Blue Jays set their roster for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Sunday, with injured shortstop Bo Bichette not making the cut due to a sprained left knee he suffered on September 6. The team had hoped he would be ready in time, but a setback on Saturday forced them to make a decision. Bichette, a pending free agent, may not be eligible to return until the World Series, leaving his future with the organization in question.

Key Takeaways:

• Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays' injured shortstop, was left off the ALCS roster due to a sprained left knee he suffered on September 6.
• The injury may force Bichette to miss the entire ALCS, and potentially the World Series, which would impact his future with the organization.
• Rosters submitted on Sunday morning are locked in for the entire series and can only change to replace an injured player.
• The Blue Jays opted to keep the same roster from their ALDS win over the Yankees, choosing to add starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt instead of relievers Tommy Nance and Justin Bruihl.
• Scherzer is the leading candidate to start Game 4, while Bassitt is expected to be used out of the bullpen.
• The Jays are less inclined to use a bullpen day in the ALCS due to the expanded format to best-of-seven.
• Scherzer and Bassitt pitched in a simulated game at the Rogers Centre last week to stay sharp.

Statistics:

• 27-year-old Bo Bichette has been out since September 6 due to a sprained left knee.
• The Blue Jays have 24 games' worth of experience facing Mariners' slugger Cal Raleigh, who has hit 10 homers and has a 1.016 on-base plus slugging percentage against the team.
• Matt Brash, a Mariners reliever, was born in Kingston and grew up as a Blue Jays fan, remembering players like José Bautista and Edwin Encarnación.

Sources:

• Gregor Chisholm, The Star, no date provided.