Following the Blue Jays securing their initial American League Championship Series participation since 2016 in the Bronx on Wednesday evening, two-time All-Star infielder Bo Bichette informed journalists that he has “seen considerable advancement recently” in his recuperation from a left knee ailment that has sidelined him since Sept. 6.
Bichette also indicated he feels “hopeful” regarding his prospects of making a comeback for the ALCS.
The Blue Jays are scheduled to host Games 1 and 2 of the ALCS against the victor of Friday’s ALDS Game 5 between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners.
“I still need to overcome some obstacles, but I’m optimistic,” Bichette stated, according to MLB.com.
He continued: “I’m experiencing improvement daily.”
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The 27-year-old Bichette sustained a PCL sprain during a 3-1 defeat to the Yankees last month. Sprinting towards home as the potential game-equaling run, he made a dash for the plate from second base after Nathan Lukes blasted a single into right field in the top of the sixth inning. Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger executed a one-hop throw to catcher Austin Wells, who tagged Bichette out as he collided with Wells’ shin protectors while sliding feet first.
Bichette limped off the playing surface. Even though he re-entered the game following a subsequent, almost two-hour rain delay — and his X-rays returned with no issues — Bichette felt discomfort in his knee in the ensuing days, as reported by MLB.com. He ultimately underwent an MRI, which revealed the sprain.
Bichette was placed on the 10-day IL, but his return has taken significantly longer than that.
His recovery timetable was adjusted during the middle of September when Blue Jays manager John Schneider mentioned Bichette would be absent for the remainder of the regular season.
The aspiration was for Bichette to be available for the commencement of the playoffs, but he was excluded from the Blue Jays’ ALDS roster.
“Positive developments over the past few days,” Schneider remarked regarding Bichette on Wednesday, according to MLB.com.
“He was participating in running exercises today, and he even faced pitches from Max [Scherzer] and Chris [Bassitt] back home. He faced [velocity] and simulated game scenarios. He refrained from running, but he took 14 swings against them. He’s simply attempting to gauge his timing. These last three days have been quite encouraging for him.”
Schneider indicated last week that his staff does not intend to utilize Bichette in a limited, high-pressure role. In other words, he must be sufficiently healthy to play on a regular basis. His running progression will be crucial.
Bichette, whose .311 batting average this season was tied for the second highest in the majors, is notably in the final year of a three-year, $33.6 million contract and is scheduled to enter free agency this offseason.
Currently, however, he is striving to do everything within his power to rejoin the lineup and assist the Blue Jays in advancing to the World Series.
