Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette optimistic about returning for ALCS

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In the aftermath of the Toronto Blue Jays’ ALCS-bound celebration at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, injured shortstop Bo Bichette stood in front of media members, answering questions regarding his potential return now that his team is off to the next round. And he certainly left the door wide open.

“I’ve made a lot of progress recently, so I’m optimistic about my chances,” Bichette told reporters post-game in a champange-soaked visiting clubhouse. “I still have some hurdles to clear, but I’m optimistic … I’ve gotta run a little bit faster, but I’m feeling better every day.”

The biggest hurdle that Bichette still has to clear is running the bases. However, he jogged in the outfield for the first time prior to Game 4, marking a notable milestone in his recovery from a PCL strain in his left knee, which he suffered in New York during a home-plate collision with Austin Wells on Sep. 6.

Bichette has also made progress at the plate recently, participating in Tuesday’s simulated game at Rogers Centre, where he — along with Ty France and Joey Loperfido, all of whom were left off the club’s ALDS roster — faced starters Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. That entire group then flew to the Bronx to rejoin their teammates ahead of Game 4.

If Bichette were available for the ALCS, chances are he’d likely be utilized exclusively as the designated hitter, allowing the Blue Jays to protect their All-Star infielder from reaggervation as much as possible. That’d also keep Andrés Giménez at short, where he’s made a seamless transition from the right side of the diamond.

Granted, there would need to be some lineup juggling, with George Springer currently occupying the everyday DH role. But Toronto would obviously welcome that challenge if it meant having one of baseball’s best hitters back in the mix.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a sensational bounce-back regular season, slashing .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs across 139 games, earning a 134 wRC+ (100 league average). Despite missing the final three weeks of the ’25 campaign, he still finished tied for the second-most hits (181) in the majors, sitting alongside Luis Arraez — trailing only Bobby Witt Jr. (184).

Toronto will host the winner of the Mariners-Tigers series, with Game 1 of the best-of-seven ALCS starting Sunday.