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Pitchers (Baseball)

Blue Jays to Face Mariners in ALCS without Injured Star Shortstop Bo Bichette

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Toronto Blue Jays will take on the Seattle Mariners in the American League Championship Series without their star shortstop Bo Bichette, who has been ruled out due to ongoing knee pain. The Jays have bolstered their roster with the addition of veteran pitchers Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, while the Mariners have made a minor adjustment by bringing back right-hander Bryan Woo for the series. Bichette's absence is a significant blow for the Blue Jays, who will rely on Andres Gimenez to fill the void at shortstop.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays' star shortstop, has been ruled out for the American League Championship Series due to pain in his injured left knee.
  • The Blue Jays have added veteran pitchers Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt to their roster, replacing relievers Justin Bruihl and Tommy Nance.
  • Scherzer, who threw over 90 pitches in a simulated outing during the ALDS, is expected to start Game 4 in Seattle, while Bassitt is expected to pitch multiple innings.
  • The Blue Jays will rely on Andres Gimenez to fill the void at shortstop, who played all four games in the ALDS win over the Yankees.
  • The Blue Jays' offense has stayed hot, scoring 34 runs in the ALDS, while Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an .840 OPS in 139 games this season.
  • The Mariners have made a minor adjustment by bringing back right-hander Bryan Woo for the series.

Statistics:

  • The Blue Jays scored 34 runs in the ALDS.
  • Bo Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an .840 OPS in 139 games this season.
  • Max Scherzer threw over 90 pitches in a simulated outing during the ALDS.
  • Chris Bassitt went 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 32 appearances before going on the injured list in mid-September.
  • Andres Gimenez played all four games in the ALDS win over the Yankees at shortstop.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times, "Blue Jays to Face Mariners in ALCS without Injured Star Shortstop Bo Bichette"
  • MLB.com, "2023 ALDS: Blue Jays vs. Yankees Game 4 highlights"

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