Bichette, Scherzer, Bassitt left off Blue Jays’ ALDS roster

Here’s how Toronto’s roster officially breaks down:

Catchers

• Alejandro Kirk
• Tyler Heineman

Infielders

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Ernie Clement
• Andrés Giménez
• Addison Barger
• Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Outfielders

• George Springer
• Nathan Lukes
• Daulton Varsho
• Anthony Santander
• Davis Schneider
• Myles Straw

Starters

• Kevin Gausman
• Shane Bieber
• Trey Yesavage

Relievers

• Jeff Hoffman
• Seranthony Domínguez
• Yariel Rodríguez
• Tommy Nance
• Brendon Little
• Braydon Fisher
• Louis Varland
• Mason Fluharty
• Justin Bruihl
• Eric Lauer

On the position-player side, the Blue Jays didn’t include Ty France or Joey Loperfido. But both can be added to the roster as injury replacements — which is also the case for Bichette, Scherzer and Bassitt. However, any player removed mid-series would be unavailable for the ALCS.

It’s worth noting that Toronto’s bullpen will include four left-handed relievers (Little, Fluharty, Bruihl, Lauer) to combat New York’s left-handed-heavy lineup that features the likes of Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Ben Rice and Jazz Chisholm Jr., among others.

Rolling with only three traditional starters is an interesting decision from the Blue Jays’ brass. Most assumed they’d keep things simple and carry four starters. But with off-days after Games 2 and 4, they’ll have the flexibility to deploy a full complement of relievers without overworking the ‘pen.

That strategy worked perfectly against the Boston Red Sox on Sep. 25, as Varland (serving as the opener), Lauer and Rodríguez combined for a perfect game through six innings.

For those wondering about the dome’s status, Major League Baseball has announced the roof will be open for Games 1 and 2 at Rogers Centre, as relayed by Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae.