Blue Jays Make Unfortunate Bo Bichette Announcement Before Yankees Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 6:33 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays are beginning a critical three-game series against the American League East leading New York Yankees on Monday. Entering this set, the Blue Jays sit third in the division, but trail New York by just three games.

Toronto is just 5-5 over its last 10 games, which comes after a torrid stretch that pulled the team within striking distance of the AL East's top spot. Just 20-22 on the road this season, the Blue Jays will be tested in the Bronx beginning on Monday, as the Yankees will throw talented left-hander Carlos Rodon against veteran right-hander Max Scherzer.

Already up against tough odds given the starting pitching matchup, Toronto was dealt some unfortunate news just hours before first pitch. Right-handed hitting shortstop Bo Bichette, who boasts an .819 OPS over his last 12 games, has been scratched from the starting lineup.

The Blue Jays announced Bichette is dealing with right knee discomfort and has been replaced in the lineup by Addison Barger who takes over at third base. Ernie Clement, who was originally slated to play third and bat second, takes over at short and leadoff.

UPDATE: SS Bo Bichette was removed from tonight's starting lineup with right knee discomfort https://t.co/Yvb2Fxn4zN pic.twitter.com/Tfkqnmt1cN
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 30, 2025

While Bichette owns just a 104 OPS+ on the season, he has been in good form of late. The Blue Jays are very reliant on his table-setting atop the order, but will now turn to Clement in that role, who has been solid himself as of late.

There is no word yet on the severity of this injury or if it will cost Bichette multiple games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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